John McCain

However, the program recently removed shutoff fuses for engine fueldraulics lines.

General Schwartz, what process does the Air Force undertake to ensure that Force Structure Announcements are accurate and definitive?

Given the extremely high demand placed on personnel in MQ-1 squadrons, are these units adequately and uniformly manned across the Air Force?

I am troubled by this request.

General Schwartz, what is being done to mitigate the potential JSF flight hour costs going forward?

Don't Ask, Don't Tell is an issue that has to be examined very carefully, with an eye to our battle effectiveness.

General Conway, last year, the House of Representatives cut H-1 funding by over $300 million as a funding source for the F-35 alternate engine based on concern about Bell's ability to meet the production ramp.

I look forward to seeing the President himself issue that veto threat.

A lack of adequate ranges and training capability that would adversely affect readiness is a show stopper.

Readiness rates of the MV-22 in Afghanistan have been reported as in the mid-60s, trending towards the 70s.

I believe it is essential to first complete the comprehensive review directed by Secretary Gates to fully understand all the potential issues and impacts associated with changing this law.

What are your views about the current Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) policy?

It's disappointing to all of us, in these very difficult economic times, when we see these kinds of delays and cost overruns.

This idea out there that's being pushed that the service chiefs somehow support a campaign promise made by the President of the United States is obviously untrue.

I was encouraged by Secretary Gates' laying an early marker last month with the Congress.

I specifically want to thank again Senator McCain for his bird-dogging of this and so many programs.

Senator McCain. General Conway, key milestones for the program have shifted 2 to 3 years to the right since the Program of Record was established in December 2008.

Secretary Mabus, Admiral Roughead, and General Conway, looking ahead to 2010, in your view what milestones do you believe the Joint Program Office (JPO) and prime contractor must complete on time and on budget to achieve the Navy's IOC…

How is NAVAIR's assessment reflected in your current budget proposal?

Armed with these recommendations, Congress will be able determine the way forward and we will follow this direction.

I continue to be concerned about the F-35 Lightning II acquisition program.

Secretary Gates testified that a high-level working group within DOD will review the issues associated with properly implementing a repeal of the DADT policy.

DOD and the Joint Chiefs owe the President and Congress an informed assessment of the implications of a repeal of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law.

Maybe, Mr. Chairman, in 6 months, a year, or so we ought to look at the effect of the legislation that we passed.

I want to get, in the few minutes I have remaining, to the JSF. As a strong supporter of the JSF, as a person who supported the termination of the F-22 because of the viability and necessity of the JSF as a partial replacement, I'm very…