The seven operational imperatives that you and the Chiefs have established for the Air Force and Space Force provide a useful framework for our analysis this morning.

It appears that this was going on for many months without the Airman, allegedly, being caught.

Mr. Secretary, I want to return to the F-35 engine issue.

We in Congress often hear complaints and concerns about how long it takes to develop new capabilities.

I applaud the Space Force's effort to develop a more resilient space architecture.

The Department is proposing to retire three times as many aircraft as it plans to buy this year.

The seven operational imperatives that you and the Chiefs have established for the Air Force and Space Force provide a useful framework for our analysis this morning.

Until that new system is in place, I welcome the Department's continued commitment to recapitalizing all of the legacy KC-135 aircraft across the Air Force.

I appreciate your holding this hearing on the Air Force's fiscal year 2024 budget request.

Do you anticipate requesting a supplemental to cover increased fuel costs?

Whatever happened to 'Need to Know'? That is the principle that is supposed to oversee and restrict access to sensitive classified information.

The mission-capable rate for the F-35 in February was just 53 percent.

Finally, let me very briefly mention and remind you of the pressing need for a new Border Patrol station in Houlton, Maine.

I am really pleased to see the leadership of this subcommittee, as I know Chair Murray is, because I know that you will work very well together.

The asylum seekers are eager to work and support themselves and their families. The employers in my state are desperate for more workers, and it would also benefit the municipalities that are under increasing strain as they're supporting…

I know this is of great interest to the Chairman as well, of that class of forever chemicals that are being found in our soil, our water, our animal feed, our crops, and our livestock.

We can't fix every problem, but, boy, we ought to be able to fix that one.

I would just reiterate that the current station was originally intended to support just nine Border Patrol agents.

Finally, let me very briefly mention and remind you of the pressing need for a new Border Patrol station in Houlton, Maine.

Clinical holds can be an important and appropriate tool for the Agency to utilize when a potential concern with an application has surfaced, but they are not a substitute for timely, constructive, and clear communication to sponsors.

So if we allowed asylum seekers to work after 1 month vetting period as long as they entered through a legal port of entry, 1 month would give us time to do an initial background check to make sure they weren't on the terrorist watch list…

I am concerned that the lack of face-to-face meetings may be negatively affecting the FDA's ability to keep pace and retain its scientific and regulatory stature as the gold standard.

In Maine, the presence of PFAS... is preventing some of our family farmers from being able to sell their products.

the presence of PFAS, and wastewater sludge spread decades ago as fertilizer is preventing some of our family farmers from being able to sell their products, causing them significant financial harm.

Our asylum system is fundamentally broken. Our whole immigration system is broken and I very much look forward to working with you on a bipartisan basis.