Claire McCaskill

I am confused as to why we need 650 new beds at a cost of almost $300,000 per bed.

The DOD environmental restoration program is necessary, but expensive--costing about $1.5 billion per year.

However, in the past this committee has attempted to authorize your unfunded requirements, particularly as they relate to improving readiness.

I do not want to waste one dime doing anything in Guam until we get the reconsideration of the agreement.

What steps is the Navy taking to ensure it makes steady progress toward its 313-ship fleet while facing an uncertain budget situation and ongoing maintenance requirements?

In fiscal year 2011, DOD spent $19.4 billion on energy, of which 79 percent, or $15.3 billion, was for operational energy.

It is unacceptable for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons capabilities--a position I firmly agree with--and that, accordingly, all options remain on the table as international tensions rise.

The conduct of the Asad regime in Syria is an outrage and that the slaughter must come to an end.

DOD has been forced to delay plans for full production of the F-35.

Our Nation needs to maintain the current nuclear triad of Submarine Ballistic Missile, Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM), and nuclear-capable heavy bombers.

The Army works closely with the commercial industrial base, including the small businesses within it, to assess capabilities and capacities necessary to meet the needs of the warfighter.

I know the Army continues to work on getting its arms around sexual assault throughout the Army, but so much more needs to be done.

It is imperative that National Guard and Reserve Forces are well-maintained, trained, and adequately equipped to meet the Nation's challenges as they arise.

As we begin the drawdown of troops in Afghanistan in the next few years, the retrograde of materials and equipment from Afghanistan will increasingly become more important.

I don't want anyone to misinterpret my willingness to pull some of this money out and put it in the highway trust fund in this country as not supporting what our military is trying to do there.

The loss of a National Guard air control squadron from Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis will result in the loss of more than 200 billets.

The routes controlled by transnational criminal organizations (TCO) operating in the region represent potential access points that could be leveraged by other groups, including international terrorist groups.

An effective air defense and a strong air sovereignty capability are critical components of Homeland defense.

The Department of Defense (DOD) has been forced to delay plans for full production of the F-35.

To avoid a hollow force, DOD and DOE must ensure adequate sustainment, modernization, and recapitalization of the Triad.

National Guard and Reserve Forces have served faithfully in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and there is no doubt that our Nation would not have been successful without the contribution of these citizen servicemembers.

I agree that we must draw down wisely to avoid stifling the health of the force or breaking faith with our soldiers, civilians, and families.

Wasting millions of dollars on late fees is inexcusable.

Secretary McHugh, how will production lines for defense items be kept warm as DOD scales back on purchasing over the next few years?

It is critical that the Army be able to rapidly expand to meet large unexpected contingencies.