Mazie Hirono

This hearing is about more than considering a nominee for the Supreme Court. It is about the future of our country.

As I observed to Secretary Perry during his nomination hearing, DOE has been a key supporter of Hawaii's efforts to transition from importing oil to renewable energy.

What I am getting at, are there any statutory prohibitions that result in subsequent or sequential review as opposed to people just not being on the same page at these various agencies?

So if I were to go to Kaneohe Marine Corps, for example, would there be a session that I could attend where this situation would be discussed?

I would say another aspect of all of this is that what kind of message are you giving to the current female marines?

How do you change the culture when, for example, you have a Commander in Chief who exhibits certain attitudes toward women?

I realize that so much of this kind of behavior has to do with some attitudes and culture, and it is very difficult, General Neller, to change the culture.

U.S. national security and commerce depend upon the freedoms of navigation and overflight, as recognized in U.S.

As Russia, China, and other adversaries develop cyber capabilities to actively challenge and attack the United States and its allies, it is evident that we are continuing to bolster the capabilities to counter these attacks.

Corrosion costs the DOD about $20 billion per year; however, only very limited resources are spent on corrosion mitigation efforts.

The United States' focus in the Pacific is on strengthening alliances; encouraging a more interconnected region; and building U.S. military capabilities.

In February, President Trump and Japan Prime Minister Abe reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to the realignment plan.

U.S. energy security is a vital component to our national security.

Our competitive advantage is eroding at an alarming rate.

The best defense is a good offense.

Peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific is essential and is important for the United States to project strength and reassure our allies, particularly in light of the actions of China and North Korea.

I am very concerned about stability in the Asia-Pacific area even as we see all kinds of conflagrations in the Middle East, as well as in Africa and other parts.

We have relationships... with over 200 academic institutions.

Cyber is a high-demand/low-density capability, just like ISR, just like SOF, just like ballistic missile defense.

We need to do that for everybody to come together.

We all know that Russia interfered with our elections.

Do you think that we as a country are relying too heavily on the Special Ops forces to handle too many missions?

The congressional armed services committees have brought about many acquisition improvements to the DOD acquisition process

Would a reduction in funding to the State and USAID make your job easier or make your job harder?

The relationship to the State Department is indescribably critical.