Mark Begich actually said...

"I do not agree that DOD is in a position where it cannot achieve additional cost savings and efficiencies through elimination of poor performing programs and a reassessment of priorities and requireme..."

"Mr. Panetta, do you have concerns with the Afghan Government's ability to sustain our efforts--like funding their own security forces?"

"DOD being unable to sustain any more cuts to force structure."

"I am concerned about a potential threat to U.S. national security and military operability: the issue of rare earth elements and our military's dependence on unreliable foreign nations for our supply."