What rationale would allow the Marine Corps to keep women out of jobs that are the same or virtually the same as jobs the other Services have opened or will open?

I think we have to have a balanced approach that resolves this once and for all.

I think it would be important to make sure that there is not a big drop in the numbers of young girls going to school...

I have long supported bringing our troops home from Afghanistan as quickly as possible, and was in favor of an even more expedited timeline than the President.

For a safe, stable, and secure Afghanistan to emerge, women must be fully included in Afghan society and government.

women's rights are not a tradable good.

I am particularly worried about the impact that it would have on our civilian and uniformed acquisitions workforce.

We are here because we are all too aware that sequestration is now only 2 days away from being implemented.

We can always do it better. If we did it right the first time, we would be out of a job.

This subcommittee has the ability to dive deeply into some of the long-term issues facing the Department of Defense.

I look forward to working with you on this most important of committees.