Mark Begich

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

In regards to the drawdown and the transition, I am a supporter of it. I want it done by 2014.

The National Guard is critical to our Nation's defense and our States, especially in Alaska.

This is the busiest wing in the northwest. It is an incredible, as you said, and important asset just because of where it is located and the value and the quantity of fuel.

I just think as we look at this new Asia-Pacific piece, it just seems like that needs to be reexamined based on this larger picture.

I do not think we can move forward in any practical way without the Members of the U.S. Congress being witting and understanding of the intent of the actions we propose.

For those folks from Poland and others that have those F-16s, you know we have some great F-16s in Fairbanks, at Eielson.

If confirmed, I will continue to support strongly U.S. accession to the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC).

Mr. Kendall, how many hours, in reality, did it take to produce this five-page report and why was it so late?

I'm very concerned that our strategy is to rely on heavy rare earths processed in China.

I'm also concerned that DOD isn't taking the rare earth issue seriously.

The lack of oversight over the years of the Defense Department and the cost overruns that you just heard cited, the lack of following through on things we pass here and tell you to do, you do not do.

Mr. Kendall, how did you involve the China experts, either inside DOD or outside?

As a former mayor, if I had my purchasing department have a record like that, a high percentage of them would not be working there.

That tells you the system is broken.

I will just end as my time is up. They said in the hearing we had--or not hearing but public meeting that families will be started to be moved or troops in 2013.

I would encourage you for every contractor that does business with us that has a record of cost overruns, you tell the CEO and the chief financial officer (CFO) we have a new arrangement.

I think the word I heard--and I do not know if it was the word of the day--was devastating.

The Corps of Engineers must continue to ensure a bid climate that allows small businesses the opportunity to compete to the maximum extent possible.

The debt is the biggest security risk to this country.

If confirmed, I will continue to press for ways to perform the mission in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

I believe the Corps of Engineers has aggressive goals for conducting environmental cleanup set in conjunction with the Army, DOD and non-DOD customers.

If confirmed, I will ensure that the Corps continues to work with stakeholders to meet those challenges.

It is devastating to hear all these cost overruns and lack of recognition.

I thank the Senator. One quick comment. Imagine the folks from Alaska who want to get a copy of a report. They have to find somebody in DC to go to a clerk and get a copy and send it over, and now, if this passes, they can go online from…