I think that you mentioned that at some point you would want the F-35 program to become a multiyear contract program so that we can lower the cost, which I think is a good thing.

Both of us talked about the strike fighter shortfall. I just need to know--this is probably for Admiral Manazir--what is the Department of the Navy's current estimate of the strike fighter shortfall because we have had different numbers…

I am wondering what the Navy plans to do with the need that is going to arise at Kaneohe Bay.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I too want to welcome our witnesses to the hearing this afternoon.

Everybody understands, including the Governor of Okinawa, that if we can't build the facility in Henoko, we will be in Futenma.

the idea is to minimize any kind of a potential for protest, even though we know that they will occur, because we're talking about a lot of money and contracts at stake.

That is music to my ears.

I commend the Department for the continuing emphasis and commitment on the rebalance.

Hawaii is very well aware of the challenges facing our compact citizens and so clearly one topic of this hearing is where we need to meet our obligations to the Palauans.

That is why it is even more important that after the 1997 welfare reform law when suddenly our compact citizens no longer qualified for Medicaid, that that be restored.

I think that we really need to push forward, not only, you know, I would love to see an increase in the $30 million but that all ends soon.