So your answer then would be affirmative to better oversight with the program by Congress?

This bill would codify the National Guard State Partnership Program.

I believe that these challenging times present us with an opportunity to review how we do businesses and find ways to improve our processes.

It is clear through the many hearings that we have already had on this topic that sequestration would have lasting effects on the readiness of our Armed Forces.

I am troubled that 800,000 of our civil service employees, who contribute greatly to the Department of Defense, may be furloughed up to 22 days.

His reckless actions highlight the need for the United States to maintain a robust presence in this region of the world.

Kim Jung-un once again this week showcased partially why we are rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific region.

Chairman McKeon, I thank you and, of course, Ranking Member Adam Smith. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, in support of the conference report for H.R. 4310. This defense bill conference report works to ensure that our men and women in uniform are…

I would like to underscore the importance of addressing invasive species issues early, given the experience that we have had in the Territory of Guam with the brown tree snake.

The invasion by these snakes has led to changes in our environment, destroying native bird, bat, and lizard populations, and leading to changes throughout the ecosystem.

The economic impact is also high. Every year, the Federal Government must spend millions and millions of dollars preventing the spread of snakes to other islands.

Invasive species are a problem that should be addressed early, or else spend decades and millions of dollars on eradication programs.

the people of Palau are becoming very, very concerned about this.

We should remember the thousands of Americans paid the ultimate sacrifice to free Palau from Japanese rule.

I believe this article and map highlight the importance of why we need to pass the Compact renewal with Palau.

Have the Palauans expressed concern?

Well, as a member of the Committee, I am suggesting that we ask him to appear.

If we really want to get to the bottom of something like this, we have got to go to the top.

I suggest, if we really want to get to the bottom of this, that we have another...

I have remained concerned that the Department is not speaking with one voice or executing major programs in the Pacific with a coordinated focus.

I do feel that, you know, we have to work together, but I don't think it should have taken this long.

I just want to know if you could answer, how can this problem be mitigated with our renewed focus on the Asia-Pacific area, the discord between OSD and PACOM?

I want to add, too, that I join the chairman in requesting a time line. We just haven't had anything.

if we are not willing to invest ourselves in some of these new facilities, it is going to be a hard case for us to make to allies and partners that they should do it or that we are committed to our Asia-Pacific strategy.

To what extent has congressional ambiguity, and in some cases inaction, potentially emboldened forces that are opposed to a continuing Marine presence in Okinawa?