Mazie Hirono actually said...

"Can I expect that, if confirmed, you will continue to give ample consideration to our strategic position--and that, of course, includes Alaska--and to the importance of the rebalance?"

"I also know that you share my view that the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific is more than just rhetoric."

"We want to make sure--and this is something that I know that Senator Sullivan shares with me--that the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific remains a very strong commitment on our part."

"The most important thing I think the rebalance to the Pacific does is it provides a security infrastructure within which we could advance our National interests."