Secretary Gates, you have publicly stated that a new Afghanistan strategy is a high priority for the Obama administration.

there is significant national security value in establishing an additional east coast CVN support base

the Navy has expressed the importance of strategic dispersal of capital ships like aircraft carriers

It is important to brief any and all such operations to the full membership of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Secretary Gates, please provide plans, which Congress can consider, that would eliminate this offset over time.

How will Special Representative Richard Holbrooke's new mandate coincide with that of General Petraeus?

Under current law, if the surviving spouse of a servicemember is eligible for Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), that annuity is offset by the amount of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) received.

Has President Obama explicitly endorsed the Pentagon's plan to send up to 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan?

Secretary Gates, please describe the risks to the Nation should implementation of the Navy's decision be delayed.

I just want you to know how much I appreciate your public service to our country.

I do believe, however, that we will need to ensure that we strike the proper balance between our Nation's energy and national security goals.