I want to thank you for your leadership and proactive approach with respect to the current North Korean threats.

I certainly didn't think it would be under these circumstances.

The reductions already made to military forces and those requested of DOD in the coming years simply do not draw a parallel to the current threats facing our Nation.

The FY 13 NDAA under section 2832 requires the Department of Defense to meet 4 requirements in order to fully spend Government of Japan funds.

Well, General and Secretary, I would respectfully request that we have something there permanently.

The U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have become increasingly affected by the drug trade.

I am a very strong proponent of the program and I value strong state relationships such as the one between Guam and the Philippines.

Given that BRAC 2005 ended up costing more and saving less than expected, I remain skeptical about the value of a new BRAC round at this juncture.

The education center under the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall would be a fitting testament to the soldiers who have given their lives to protect our country.

I stand firm in recognizing the commitments and the sacrifices made by our soldiers.

Donors normally like to be recognized. Sometimes there are cases where they do not want to be recognized.

I found it very ironic that despite BRAC rounds on Guam, the Department of Navy continues to seek private or Government of Guam land to meet training requirements on the island.

These bad actors unnecessarily compete with legally captured seafood from American fishermen.

Well, the heart of the Magnuson-Stevens Act is to protect our fisheries.

I am committed, however, to finding the right balance with economic impact to our local fishermen.

Our fishermen are being cheated across this country. Catch that rightfully belongs to law-abiding citizens is taken by vessels from foreign countries that illegally enter our waters and fish.

I especially appreciate Admiral Locklear. I appreciate your opening comments and thank you for reminding the committee about the vastness of the Pacific Ocean and the strategic importance of the U.S. territory of Guam.

I do hope that PACOM continues to prioritize our investments and realignments in the Pacific.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My first question is for Secretary Johns. Can you comment on how the reductions in the operations and maintenance accounts will impact our rebalance of forces to the Pacific.

Naturally I am interested, since I represent the U.S. territory of Guam.

I am, however, disappointed that we are not having a more robust discussion in Congress about how to solve sequestration.

I remain steadfast that the leadership of both parties must put everything on the table to find ways to avoid sequestration.

We all agree and understand that sequestration is catastrophic for the prospects of a full economic recovery in our country.

My colleague, Congressman Joe Wilson mentioned that he and I have co-authored a bill.

And I certainly hope that now our focus will be to the Asia-Pacific area, which we are looking at currently.