I think that, as you focus on issues such as the productivity at our shipyards... that recognition should be reflected in what you consider productivity numbers.

Everything is contingent on the money. We start, first and foremost, by lifting the threat of sequester, going forward.

I was happy to see, in your written testimony, that you remain committed to improving the conditions of our Navy shipyards.

I certainly support the chairwoman's initiatives in this regard.

I think that we definitely need people trained, especially in the STEM areas.

What must the Air Force do to regain our competitive advantages? What specific areas require additional attention?

Thank you very much, Chief, for making the clear connection between climate change and the continuing challenges of fighting forest fires.

There is nothing like actually visiting a place to gain a fuller, I think, appreciation of what is going on.

I did want to take a moment to thank you for your commitment to protecting Hawaii's precious landscapes in the President's 2017 budget.

Ohia is significant because this tree makes up 80 percent of our native forests and is ecologically and culturally the most important native plant in Hawaii.

Do you have enough money in your Fiscal Year '17 budget proposal to do the kinds of things that you are doing because it is not just happening in Hawaii.