I want to take the opportunity, on behalf of all of us on this committee and in the U.S. Senate, thanking you for your outstanding service.
Our top concern, as both of you have mentioned, is a revanchist Russia.
The Air Force is able to execute the requirements of the current defense strategy, but only at significant risk.
Unfortunately in recent years, China has behaved less like a responsible stakeholder and more like a bully.
Can you explain why CVN-79 experienced a $3.1 billion increase, a 38 percent growth in the estimated cost?
Do you believe that AAG should be designated a sub-program--as EMALS was, in order to facilitate better oversight?
That's a rather dramatic change, it seems to me. And obviously, they'd be filling in--that in, in order to place installations there.
Both Senator Reed and I have reached agreement on that letter, and I'd like you to look at it, and as many as possible can sign it.
What difference does it make whether he hides it? There's no hiding what he's done. Everybody knows what he's done.
If we stick to sequestration, as it is planned, it will impair our ability for you to do your job and defend this Nation.
I'm sure that the Russians had a significant advantage when they invaded Afghanistan.