Mazie Hirono

We have to get this right, and this is a very specialized area of the law.

I have continuing concerns about the changes that we are contemplating to patent law.

I was one of the handful of House Members who voted against that bill.

$1.5 million does not go far enough, that is for sure.

Our country has a responsibility to meet our obligations under the compact with Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands.

Your attention to the unique needs in Hawaii is appreciated.

The national security of our country is greatly dependent on the implantation of energy security efforts.

While sanctions are important, we must remain vigilant and prepared as the country continues these provocative actions.

The United States seeks to preserve peace and stability, and maintain our strategic advantage in an area that is critically important to America's political, economic, and security interests.

Obviously, that needs to continue, because our cyber capability is something that is going to be an ongoing effort.

I am cautiously optimistic both nations will continue to work together and strengthen our unified position against North Korea.

The prospects for improved defense cooperation between Japan and Korea have increased.

Cooperation in the missile defense arena is paramount to national and regional security.

The United States plays a significant role in providing humanitarian assistance to countries that experience these hardships.

The Indo-Asia-Pacific is the world's most disaster-prone region.

The rebalance to the Asia Pacific is a commitment that I have paid particular attention to, representing Hawaii as I do.

Advocacy is essential in retaining sufficient JSTARS capability to meet command requirements.

This is one of the reasons that there are generals who have come forward to express how important it is for us to support quality early education as laying a foundation, the very kind of foundation you're talking about.

I think it is politically feasible, and 2019 would be the target date, I would think.

The stability in the Asia-Pacific area is hugely important. And the U.S. role in being a part of creating the stability is critical.

That would be great.

I am a very strong supporter of the SBIR and the STTR Programs, and, in fact, I had introduced legislation to provide more funds and permanence for these programs when I was a member of the House.

I am a supporter of the ORS office, especially in the area of developing smaller, cheaper systems.

I believe this committee has made clear that we do not want to continue to rely on these Russian-made engines.

We need to dramatically improve DOD and IC collaboration and cooperation to improve effectiveness to counter the threats.