Leon Panetta

Yes, I will. Over the past 2 years, OSD has been working on a Directive-Type Memorandum (DTM) that describes the use of DOD appropriated funds for State Department Partnership Program activities.

I look forward to working with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff about priorities and potential areas for savings.

We have made progress with regards to security in that country.

I will work to make disciplined decisions in ways that minimize impacts on our national security. But it must be understood that a smaller budget means difficult choices will have to be made.

I think it tells them that our word isn't worth very much if we are not willing to stick to it.

hollow out the force and weaken our national defense.

I am a big believer in language training and getting our people equipped with the ability not only to speak the language, but to understand the culture of the countries that we are dealing with.

My top priority as Secretary of Defense is to ensure the security of the American people.

The role of DOD is to assist uniformed servicemembers, their families, and overseas voters to exercise their right to vote.

I am a very strong believer that if we are going to have a strong defense in this country that we have to have industries here that are American.

A key aim of U.S. assistance, therefore, must be to help the Afghans take full responsibility for their own future.

My hope is to continue those efforts and to work with you and others to try to determine what additional steps can we take, both in the development of weapons, the development of technologies, how we can better use clean energy.

Withdrawals in July should be modest.

I understand the Department is examining the industrial base by conducting a sector-by-sector, tier-by-tier (S2T2) research effort.

I will work to ensure that DOD continues to be the key driver in revising the USML into a positive list.

America's dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels puts our national security at risk.

I will build on the efficiencies identified by Secretary Gates and work with the Department's leadership to manage defense spending prudently.

The Department will give priority consideration to those military installations with schools having the most serious capacity or facility condition deficiencies.

I think it sends a terrible signal to these other countries.

The enhanced techniques that were used early on have now been forbidden by the President's Executive order.

We are, at the present time, on track to withdrawing our forces by the end of 2011.

If confirmed, I will ensure that the President's Budget requests will reflect the level of funding that is required to meet essential defense and national security requirements each year.

Progress in developing professional and effective ANSF has been steady.

the withdrawal from Afghanistan must be meticulously planned and not precipitous in order to not risk the gains we have made at great sacrifice of our blood and treasure.

The transition to Afghan security lead in the first tranche of provinces and municipalities has progressed smoothly.