Leon Panetta

We must ensure that future defense spending decisions are strategically informed and focused on priorities and risks.

I support U.S. accession to the Law of the Sea Convention.

Controlling rising costs will require us to make disciplined decisions in a number of areas.

The killing of Osama bin Laden was a great victory, but our mission in Afghanistan is to ensure that it can never again become a staging area for terrorist attacks against the American Homeland.

I think the United States has to, on a case-by-case basis, work with each of these countries to ensure that they reduce the violence, to ensure that they are recognizing some degree of universal rights, and that they are implementing…

I believe that encroachment is a serious issue for the U.S. military.

I believe we should do everything possible within the law to gather information, and I agree with those who state that information can be obtained without resorting to measures such as waterboarding.

I think we have an obligation to make sure that people are treated right once they have served this country not only now, but in the future.

The Department has begun a comprehensive review of the defense programs in light of the current fiscal environment.

As my record of service in the Executive Branch demonstrates, I am fully committed to executing the President's policies and complying with all legal requirements enacted by Congress, while offering my own candid advice to the President.

I want to assure you that one of my responsibilities, in line with what Senator McCain said, is to take a very hard look at all weapon systems to make sure that they are cost effective and that they are, in the end, providing the very best…

the protection of the United States from the threat of ballistic missile attack is a critical national security priority.

I think that when it comes to protecting our security, there are a number of areas that have to be addressed.

We can't afford for that to happen.

As Secretary of Defense, I will ensure DOD policies, procedures, and actions: (1) stimulate and support vigorous competition and innovation in the industrial base supporting defense; and (2) establish and sustain cost-effective industrial…

I think we have to have facilities to be able to provide to detainment of these individuals. That is clear.

If you want to be free, you have to be secure.

the size of the deficit we are confronting represents a threat to our security.

I think if we stick with it, if we continue to provide help and assistance to them, that I think there is going to be a point where Afghanistan can control its own future.

If I am confirmed, one of the first things I am going to do is to try to see if we can't take steps to try to improve on that timetable so that we can say to the American taxpayer that what we are spending on national defense is being…

I am confident that we can proceed with transition of security responsibilities in designated areas to the ANSF.

I will continue the initiative to find additional efficiencies and eliminate lower priority programs.

Each defense program must be assessed in terms of its contribution to the national security strategy.

the United States plays a very unique role in the world as far as providing the kind of leadership that tries to advance universal rights, a peaceful approach to dealing with the world that tries to advance good economic and political…

Iran is very directly supporting extremist Shia groups which are killing our troops.