John McCain

The recent budget deal, where we're got, what, $607 billion, I think, when it's all added up, is merely to stem the erosion that we have seen.

Strategy is about choosing. And that means setting priorities.

I know that Senator Reed is committed to the same prospect, and I know that we can embark on this odyssey in a completely bipartisan fashion.

Strategy, like governing, is to choose.

I intend to embark, with, hopefully, the participation of every member of the committee, on extensive examination of our force structure.

Now more than ever, we need a clear strategy, or strategies plural, to guide our actions and defense investments.

Senator John McCain demanded Clinton apologize, calling her remarks disgraceful.

This has been a very important hearing not only for this committee but also for the Members of Congress and the American people.

I think that the symbolism, to members of the services, that there is a civilian at the head of their own service who is responsible for them, and accountable for them, I think, is important.

The rhetoric has been very interesting.

We'll take that suggestion on board, Mr. Secretary.

America will not succeed in the 21st century with anything less than the most innovative, agile, and efficient and effective defense organization.

I hope they're available on audio.

It's called governing.

I fervently hope you also will urge your colleagues in Congress to break with the recent past and place the national interest--and our national security--ahead of ideological purity or achieving partisan advantage.

This must and will be a bipartisan endeavor.

The worldwide threats confronting our Nation's--Nation now and in the future have never been more complex, uncertain, and daunting.

In the defense bill, we do require studies on other platforms.

I believe that this hearing must set the predicate for a number of future hearings.

We ought to think long and hard about the long-term missions of aircraft carriers.

I'm sorry to say that members of this committee will be voting to sustain a presidential veto on an issue that we have nothing that we can change.

We're trying to, in this legislation, give some more authority and responsibility to the service chiefs.

I will quote them quite often and quite liberally.

We cannot just have military responses alone anymore.

I don't think the Ukrainians believe that.