I understand that President Obama will continue to refocus our military's efforts to this region.

The situation in Iraq is improving, but as all of the commanders and our ambassador constantly repeat, it remains fragile and potentially reversible.

NATO is, first and foremost, a military alliance committed to the security of its members.

It has now been over 7 years since the initial call up and mobilization of National Guard and Reserve Forces in support of the global war on terrorism.

I believe that the administration must consider the defense industrial base, such as the 95,000 (direct and indirect) jobs associated with the F-22 program.

Each event offers opportunities for the U.S. and the Iraqis, but also dangers.

I am also concerned about the apparent lack of a coherent civil-military plan for integrating our military operations with economic and political development that is so essential to success in counterinsurgency.

I expect we will all hear President Obama himself lay out his priorities for NATO at the 60th Anniversary Summit in April.

If we're going to have that alternative to Taliban rule, isn't our task made much more difficult by the widespread corruption and the shadow over the legitimacy of the recent presidential election?

I hope that you and General McChrystal will look seriously at the concerns he raises about the rules of engagement.

I am certain that we need a surge in the Afghan army and I am certain that we need a civilian surge.

I strongly believe that energy security is an important part of national security.

ballistic missiles in the hands of rogue states or non-state actors present a serious security threat to this country.

the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves criticized DOD for not having made civil support a primary mission of the Department.

I hope you will look at that as an area where you could achieve savings for the Army by having more work directed to that unit which provides high-quality, low-cost work for the Army.

Her tireless efforts on behalf of the citizens of Maine and all Americans have made myself and my family and all of us who are part of that great State very proud.

Admiral Stavridis, I invite your comments on whether a cooperative U.S.-Russian missile defense program could possibly change the overall dynamic in the region.

I was pleased to hear you endorse an increase in the size of the Army, which is the ultimate answer.

How will Russia's transformation factor into the upcoming QDR?

We forgot that lesson of history that only the nations with powerful navies are able to exert power and influence, and when a navy disappears so does that nation's power.

Despite economic recessions, both China and Russia are increasing defense spending in an effort to modernize and transform their militaries.

Afghanistan stands at a crossroads, and that the progress achieved over the previous 6 years was threatened by resurgent Taliban violence.

We need to treat it that way.

one of the most effective ways to ensure that our Nation is prepared to manage catastrophic incidents is to conduct in-depth planning for those incidents before they occur.

I appreciated the opportunity to discuss with you the impressive contributions that the State of Maine has made to our Navy.