John McCain

We do not expect the Federal Government to get into the mining business, but we hope to create an environment where businesses and enterprises can go in and get into that business and provide us with much needed strategic materials.

If trade conflicts escalate between the United States and China, ... you could see further restraints on the part of the Chinese.

Thank you for holding this hearing because it comes in light of some interesting international events.

I think we need to look at this issue from a national security standpoint clearly since there are materials that go into the production that are vital in the production of many of our weapons systems.

What do we need to do in order to stimulate ... to satisfy our defense needs which, as you know, require some of these materials.

97 percent--is that correct, Mr. Eggert--of the rare earth products come from China?

We would really appreciate your help in resolving this urgent matter and thank you again for your consideration.

The Mohave Valley Land Conveyance Act would transfer approximately 315 acres of BLM to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for purposes of building a shooting range near Bullhead City, Arizona.

It is essential for a whole host of reasons that a facility for the safe use of fire arms be provided.

12 years is a long time, Mr. Chairman, and everybody, with the exception of the Native American tribes, are in support and we will try to continue to work with them.

As we mentioned earlier, the $6.9 billion cost overrun and several question marks that we are not sure of, has anyone above the program manager level ever been fired or demoted?

You have terminated programs?

I guess I would ask the rest of the witnesses if they share Secretary Hale's view.

I guess I would ask you, will DOD make that 2017 deadline?

There have to be consequences, positive for good performance and negative for not good or not acceptable performance.

So the answer is no?

Do you think they can meet the 2017 deadline?

It is about time that we start demanding some results.

We ought to start demanding that people get fired.

If this were a corporation in America, the shareholders would have fired them long ago.

I think maybe it would not have escaped your notice if someone had been fired.

I hope that the Department has learned from previous mistakes and will consult with Congress, as Secretary Gates has pledged, before proposing changes in medical benefits.

Dr. Carter, what subsequent portfolio reviews do you plan on conducting?

Mr. Lynn, why begin design of a new contract, without the benefit of experience under the proposed improvement?

Mr. Lynn, Secretary Gates has stated many times that health care costs are unsustainable within the Department's budget and will impinge on readiness if unconstrained.