The last time I looked at the Constitution, that wasn't where the EPA derives its authority.

I think you are doing exactly what the EPA reprimanded you from doing in its recent Supreme Court case where you are taking significant power under the Clean Air Act that is dramatically expanding your powers over the U.S. economy without…

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, General, for your testimony. It is very enlightening.

I think there's a lot of different conditions that go into the recommendations that I provide.

this was a clear directive, from the Congress, in the law, that this administration violated.

there's a lack of trust on the numbers, there's not certainty on what the end game is.

To me, it seems like a clear violation of that statute.

I would like your commitment if confirmed to make sure we are not moving a single soldier out of the Arctic until that OPLAN is completed.

Given the international sanctions against Russia, could you characterize Russia's actions in Central and South America as the beginning of Russia's strategic 'rebalance' to Central and South America?

I think it is safe to say the Department of Defense has been asleep at the switch on this.

I think it makes strategic sense to put together the plan, see what the combatant commanders need in terms of troops, see what the new threat level is, and then make the plan on troop levels once you are informed by a real strategy, not a…

I believe that in the future, whoever holds blank--this place--will hold the world. It is the most important strategic place in the world.

What do you think Vladimir Putin would think of that if we are removing the only airborne BCT in the Arctic, the only airborne BCT in the entire Asia-Pacific while the Russians dramatically build up their forces?

I think our allies are going to see it undermined.

This is a joke of a strategy.

I think General Milley would agree that we are too heavy in the tail, and I want to get your commitment certainly to work with this committee to actually focus more on the warfighter.

I find that very powerful testimony.

They work hard, take risks. They provide a great service.

There is a lot of talk about Russia, and a lot of the members of the Joint Chiefs in the past year when they came up for their confirmation hearing talked about Russia as the number one threat.

I think it is important to recognize, you know, it is hard to figure out appropriate force levels and capabilities in the Arctic without having a plan.

Should services be free to ignore the defense guidance of the Congress--just yes or no--in the NDAA?

The only airborne combat brigade in the entire Asia-Pacific has now been gutted.

I would appreciate if we can get some numbers on the Pacific Pathways in terms of costs.

The U.S. forces under the OPCON of PACOM should be increased.

Preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is a critical national interest.