I wish to congratulate Senator Booker for his maiden speech. It is great to have him with us, and I thank Senator Booker also for calling upon the better angels in all of us to do what is right. Opportunity and fairness for all are not…

I think the sequester has an effect on that.

A strong trilateral relationship can be an important deterrent against regional threats such as those posed by North Korea.

With this additional funding as a result of this agreement, how will DOD prioritize readiness funding levels for these fiscal years--by program or capacity, and what will the readiness impacts be for fiscal year 2016, should sequestration…

My best to you in achieving the balance and meeting the needs of the marines.

I think the sense is that 63 cents of every dollar going to personnel costs is not necessarily the kind of balance that you would want to have in order to make sure that your readiness needs are met.

cybersecurity plays a vital role in the security of our Nation.

Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea, two of our closest treaty allies, remain strained.

Sequestration in 2016 is an issue that we're going to need to deal with in a sensible way.

I believe that closer ties between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan are a positive development.

There is growing concern among U.S. allies and partners that the United States will be unable to follow through on its commitment to the rebalance due to declining defense budgets and continuing security challenges elsewhere.

I think the prevention aspect is one where I would really like to see more specific kinds of programs.