"I think it's important to emphasize that the sequester is not a 1-year deal."
"I hope this gentleman will talk to you about the effect on our readiness, on our retention, and on our military."
"I think it's going to be important for me, if confirmed, to keep pressure on not only defense investment, but to keep pressure on our ability to train together and keep the standard of excellence high..."
"execution is as important as vision. This is really how it is executed on the street with these guys, men and women, as they leave."
"Changing the subject slightly, what is your assessment of our logistical readiness for the drawdown in Afghanistan?"
"When I meet with veterans in Maine, particularly the recent people who have left the Service, one of the biggest problems they find is the lack of information."
"Lack of readiness, lack of training, lack of all those things that you just listed, put American lives at risk, do they not?"
"It is bad for the taxpayers because you lose the benefit of multi-year buys, and it is also terrible for the industrial base."
"I think Chuck Hagel is a man of great integrity, great intelligence, and is the kind of person that, I think, will be a strong leader for the Department of Defense."
"We can do better than this."
"Will you review this policy and work to assure that compliant gear is purchased and U.S. jobs are protected?"