Susan Collins

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As the Chairman suggested, I would like to ask you some questions about the firm that you founded.

I am asking today for your commitment to ensuring that TSA continues to have those vital flexibilities that allow a quick reaction to ever-changing circumstances.

Every year, I join the other members of the Maine and New Hampshire delegations to attempt to address these funding shortfalls.

I am going to ask you to speak to this issue, Mr. Hale, because I will be interested to know why the military construction funds are not in the military construction request.

I am concerned about the amount that I am seeing and I want to know what is the sharing that is going to be anticipated.

I question the basis of this.

I am concerned that these requirements are not consistent with our future force requirements and posture.

I think there are some major issues here that are going to take more than maybe even one hearing.

I think it's a huge mistake to have that deadline out there.

The United States is fighting a cyber war today and it is losing.

For our mutual defense, the Government must share information and expertise regarding threats and vulnerabilities with the private sector--and the private sector should be able to do the same. It must be a partnership.

Collaboration is absolutely essential. I believe building an effective partnership between the U.S. Government and the Nation's private sector is integral to reducing the country's cyber vulnerabilities.

One of the most effective ways to enhance our National preparedness is to develop coordinated and detailed plans for preventing and responding to disasters before they occur.

The Pentagon announced plans to develop HRFs in each of the 10 FEMA regions.

They are playing an absolutely essential role.

I would encourage both of you to take a look at that facility because if it does meet your needs, we should use current assets and save some money in this very tight budget environment.

My question, however, is did the Air National Guard review current assets, including this facility in Maine, before proposing the funding to build brand new additional secure facilities?

I am delighted to hear that.

I look forward to working with you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You have explained that the ranking member, due to an unscheduled event, is unable to join you today.

I think we need to take a second look at.

I know that this news is heartbreaking to you personally, as it is to all of the members of this subcommittee.

I was pleased to have an opportunity to talk with you recently in my office and to thank you for coming to the great State of Maine to tour our veterans hospital.

Why is it that my colleagues and I need to fight every year to make capital improvements to Portsmouth?

I look forward to working closely with you.