The allegation that these are secret deals that bind the agency and substantive decisions is factually and legally wrong.

the bald eagle had recovered to the point where it was removed from the endangered species list.

The Endangered Species Act is one of the most important, popular, and effective conservation laws, not just in the history of the United States, but in the history of the world.

The suggestion that our courts are there to rubber-stamp collusive agreements is insulting to our judiciary.

The fact that neither of the agencies tasked with implementing the E-S-A were invited to appear at the June 2012 hearing or in today's rerun reflects the continuation of a troubling Republican strategy of fear mongering rather than a fair…

They know that the E-S-A contains significant flexibility to allow projects to proceed after taking into account the national interest in the preservation of species and their habitats.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to add an article to the record in which Fish and Wildlife Director Dan Ashe states on the scale of the challenges that we face implementing the Endangered Species Act. Litigation doesn't even show up…

The Endangered Species Act itself does not mandate recovery. That is a fundamental flaw in the statute.

Clearly, this law has not brought about the economic disaster that its detractors like to claim.

The ESA's near-perfect record of achieving species survival and its numerous species recovery successes... show that the law has been a true success.

The Navy and Marine Corps are critical to meeting the DOD's strategic guidance released in 2011.

What specific flexibilities or exceptions did you request in terms of furloughing the civilian personnel who provide the backbone of support for our operational Navy and Marine Corps?

we certainly did learn a great deal, and it was disturbing to hear how, you know, sequestration is going to affect our operations, not only there, but everywhere we are represented.

My first question is in three parts, and I would like to ask each of you the question...

I am concerned with our specialized workforce, such as those at military depots who may leave Government service due to the threats of furloughs and sequestration.

Well, these reports are disturbing, certainly.

The 2011 strategic guidance, the effects of sequestration and the planned withdrawal of the U.S. forces from Afghanistan place a significant pressure on all our military components, but particularly the Army.

I thank you all for your testimony and your service to our Nation, and I look forward to our dialogue this afternoon.

Mr. Chairman, thank you very much.

This is the first in the series of hearings that will dive into some level of detail about the readiness issues for each of the Services.

The Army has planned on reducing its end strength to 490,000 soldiers over the next several years.

I do not agree with the deep cuts to our Armed Services.

The island of Guam is very proud of the close relationship that we share between Anderson Air Force Base and our local community.

Instability in this region will have a direct and immediate effect for our entire Nation.

I appreciate the Department's continued commitment of significant funding for the realignment of Marines from Okinawa to Guam.