Dan Sullivan

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

I find that very powerful testimony.

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

I am going to interrupt you, and I really apologize. I have to go cast a vote real quick here...

The ever-increasing regulatory burden, particularly on the small commercial fishing boats and charters.

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.

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?

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 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.

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?

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

I think we need to just get through the bureaucratic redtape. It's clearly in the national interests.

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

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

The Department of Defense, the Army did not--did not--abide by the defense guidance of Congress.

I think our allies are going to see it undermined.

Any withdrawal of the U.S. forces outside the continental U.S. Asia-Pacific region would therefore seriously undermine the rebalance.

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

I am opposed to the Iranians possessing a nuclear weapon.

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

I think, in some ways, the Obama administration undermines their own strategy, in terms of the credibility of the strategy, by slashing Army forces in the Asia-Pacific.

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.

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

I don't think most Americans would agree with that.