Angus King

I am concerned that our cyber-defense system is just that, it is defense, and that we don't have an offensive capability.

I don't want to return to the post-September 11 days when we had a lot of intelligence capability, but they weren't talking to each other.

It concerns me that all of our discussions about cyber are essentially defensive.

I believe that it's critically important that we move legislation that provides for that sharing so that we have more vigorous defense.

If you have a deterrent and don't tell people about it, it's not a deterrent.

But, a--as you just testified, a 10-to-1 ratio of offense to defense going into a city like Mosul means you're going to have a large, well-trained force.

Is it fair to say that all of you agree that we must modernize our nuclear capacity, and second, we must look to greater flexibility in terms of the nuclear deterrent?

I think often the fault of American foreign policy is thinking that other people think like us and not understanding what cultural and historic differences, and that is why I am so cautious about Putin.

The ongoing conflict in the Ukraine is very much a nuclear crisis.

If you are playing chess with a Russian, you better think at least three moves ahead.

For whom deterrence is not a concern.

If you need more money to do it, tell us.

I believe in the Endangered Species Act, but we have to be careful how we administer it that we don't undermine public support for it.

It is clear to me that there is an inconsistency that doesn't help and real frustration.

I think we might want to look to that as perhaps a funding opportunity.

It ought not be next to impossible.

I'm brave, but I'm not stupid.

Restrictions placed by Congress?

If you're leaving 20 percent of the money on the table, it may be that the level isn't as relevant as how it's collected.

Shouldn't that be a factor in deciding?

I think it is an essential Federal function that this Department has done well over the years.

I don't think your budget is big enough.

The way of the future for Afghanistan is with the national unity government, having a very professionalized army and police

He won. He could afford to be magnanimous. That is free political advice to the president of another country.

I hope we can use that influence to move this along.