No country can match our ability to operate under the sea, but if we don't continue to resource undersea warfare capabilities, China and Russia will close that gap.

War crimes are occurring in Syria with the support and apparent encouragement of Russia. Correct?

Well, I agree that actions speak louder than words, and I'm glad those actions are taking place.

really our national security depends on that defense industrial base, as you just said.

I am concerned about the triad and American naval superiority.

Would you agree that Russia has not been deterred by our actions thus far?

By December of 2015, in fact a noticeable change of strategy occurred.

The obligation of the United States to provide lethal military assistance, I think is clear.

I recognize that NORTHCOM is in a support mission there.

In my view, those attacks are an act of war. Would you agree?

Reporting this week highlighted a series of cargo flights from Iran to Syria--following the April 13 United States and allies' strikes--that potentially carried weapons for use by Assad and his allies that could threaten Israel.

We are watching what they are doing, working with our partners and with the intelligence community.

Russia's resurgence is a carefully calculated revision of their Cold War playbook--similar tactics complemented by technological advancements.

Russia's actions threaten the foundations of democracy.

Deterring malicious cyber activity is a difficult challenge, especially with North Korea.

I have been impressed by the complete inadequacy of the federal response to fellow Americans there.

I am concerned that these agreements have existed not just with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, but with many other countries and with very little oversight from Congress during the administration of both parties.

Secretary Mattis, do you believe DOD requires additional authorities or authorizations to engage Russian disinformation operations?

we must strengthen our diplomatic arm of our efforts to address North Korea's nuclear ambitions

They're doing it with impunity. They could care less what we think. They're continuing to attack us.

According to a Reuters article this week, DOD estimates that 56 percent of Afghanistan is under government control.

we must do more to make North Korea pay a steeper price for its cyberattacks

the shipyards are a critical national asset to America. It's one of our strengths, and that workforce is essential to us being able to build Columbia, to be able to build Virginia.

the fiscal year 2019 budget request includes increases for the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) and the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

Of all the things in my portfolio, I cannot even describe how upset I get about the helicopter replacement program. It is a helicopter, for gosh sakes. We ought to be able to go out and buy a helicopter and put it in the hands of the…