John McCain

Secretary Gates, is the administration examining the logistics associated with the transfer of Guantanamo detainees to the United States?

The Committee will be watching the competitive bidding process closely and expect it to be conducted transparently.

I do believe it is important for the Defense Department to retain the management discretion to continue programs which are necessary for our national security.

I'm calling for a comprehensive audit of the DOD budget aimed at identifying the unnecessary, wasteful programs.

Every 4 years, the DOD is required by law to conduct a QDR, a comprehensive review of the Nation's defense strategy, force structure, modernization plans, infrastructure, and budget.

I have noticed too much of a tendency towards what might be called 'next-war-it-is,' the propensity of much of the defense establishment to be in favor of what might be needed in future conflicts.

Has the F-22 flown a single combat sortie in the CENTCOM theater?

What can the United States do to convince some of our friends and allies to help solve this problem by taking some of the detainees who we have evaluated are no longer a threat?

What is your assessment of the Active-Duty manpower needs for the Army and Marine Corps and will the 2010 budget support these numbers?

Secretary Gates, how do you suggest we come to a common conclusion with our NATO allies about how to address narcotics trafficking that by all accounts is funding the insurgency?

Given China's rapid military modernization, please discuss the relevancy of the TRA today.

I believe I am uniquely suited to understand the importance of the need for U.S. air superiority to counter future perceived threats.

Business as usual is no longer an option; the current and future fiscal environments facing the Department demand bold action.

Secretary Gates, will they increase troop levels? Revise national caveats?

Is there a reason why we could not change the disability rating presumption for wounded warriors to a minimum of 30 percent.

Do you believe the DOD should assume this financial obligation as well?

Secretary Gates, is the potential for quick jobs creation resulting from MILCON that the Department has proposed contingent on circumventing laws, related to free and open competition as well as requirements set forth in NEPA?

Can this committee have full, open, and immediate access to all documents provided to members of the HAC to support the request for MILCON?

The ability to detain and question that person would be essential to U.S. national security.

I am gratified by initiatives recently undertaken by the current Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics to help reform the defense acquisition system.

The President has stressed the need for a responsible redeployment of U.S. combat forces from Iraq.

Do you believe we can count on the Afghan Central Government to seriously address the drug problem during the upcoming election period?

Is it clear to all parties that we may not be able to achieve our mutual goals in Afghanistan without going after the drug problem?

I look forward to working with our international partners to help create a truly comprehensive civil-military strategy to help the Afghans build the necessary foundation for a stable and secure Afghanistan.

Secretary Gates, do you anticipate that the new administration will alter the order?