John McCain

If you decide to more tightly restrict access to classified data on DOD computer systems, how will you make sure that the right people are still getting the information they need?

We have been asking DOD for a master plan of the details of construction projects and total costs for 3 years, to no avail.

You mentioned that you expect to see a decision in the spring of 2011 on the final location for the Futenma Replacement Facility (FRF) on Okinawa.

Secretary Gates, in recent years, there has been a proliferation of funding grants and other large amounts appropriated to DOD for vague requirements...

Secretary Gates, what can be done to ensure taxpayer funds provided to DOD go to the most critical priorities and are not used to satisfy a specific Member interest?

Secretary Gates, other than force cuts, and putting aside the Defense Health Program momentarily, do you see any feasible way to control the costs of personnel as a share of the DOD budget?

I am dedicated to having fully auditable financial statements by 2017, the deadline established by Congress.

Secretary Gates, what are the new estimates on how much the program and each plane will cost?

I am concerned about what I see as a movement by DOD away from competition.

The budget submission calls for an increased emphasis on DOD support to Mexico in its counterdrug activities--a decision I support fully.

Do you believe that the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) is as vulnerable to a Wikileaks-type scenario as the SIPRNET has proven to be?

Secretary Gates, do you see the need for increased counterintelligence scrutiny or investigations of cleared DOD personnel?

I stand proudly and strongly by DOD's commitment to military healthcare quality and excellence and will never compromise or waver from this standard.

Secretary Gates, have you found areas where DOD can leverage commercial investment in technology, manufacturing, and service capability to decrease expenses for lifecycle support requirements?

I firmly believe that without the example set by U.S. leadership within the Alliance, European Allies' defense spending would be even lower.

Would this decision actually validate the intent of the NATO alliance members to increase reliance on the U.S. forces?

What are the costs incurred by DOD to complete all 2005 BRAC actions and any unobligated balances you may have?

What sort of accountability does DOD intend to place on the prime contractor of these satellite systems?

I would not support the addition of more C-17s. My position today remains unchanged.

Achieving auditable financial statements is a massive undertaking requiring changes to the capabilities of our people, processes and systems.

Secretary Gates, how can DOD ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being wasted, stolen, or otherwise abused without an audit?

Secretary Gates, why is this not your highest and most critical efficiency initiative?

Another area of the Navy's budget that I am very concerned about is the amount of funding needed for ship construction going forward.

Termination is not a 'black and white' decision. It must be viewed from a holistic viewpoint by assessing cost, schedule, warfighter utility in performance being delivered, and risk.

Secretary Gates, how specifically is DOD better incentivizing and empowering program managers to bring competition into otherwise previously sole-sourced lifecycle programs?