Roger Wicker

That is excellent news. Thank you very much. I did not know that until now. So that is a positive development.

In January of this year, I understand that for the first time since World War II, there were no aircraft carriers deployed anywhere.

So problems, yes, but it is not going to slow you down.

So if I mentioned that on the floor later on today, that would be a good point to make. Is that right, sir?

General, you said our mission is to make sure our sons and daughters never have to fight in a fair fight.

Most of our major platforms are maturing at exactly the same time that we have to rebuild and recap.

We have disinvested in the military three times.

We will not fix this long term.

The budget process is broken. It is why we are sitting here today.

The people do want us there, and that is based on loya jirga outcome.

Let me just say I think that would be a massive mistake which would affect the security of Americans.

When I think about the failure of this Congress and this government to deal with this, I look in the mirror and I take my share of the responsibility.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Are our allies and our adversaries having this same problem with pilot shortages?

Suffice it to say, it is hard for you to give us specific numbers to project.

You cannot give us that number of how you hope to look in 5 years?

But you are asking for a budget number that would improve that. Are you not?

Well, what figure would that be? We have 2,031 current. How many do we need?

We might as well settle this on the record. How do you pronounce your last name?

Is it time to take a fresh look at the MRAP program?

Secretary Speer and General Milley, let me start off by asking about the Lakota, the Army's primary training helicopter...

We have a populace in Afghanistan who supports our presence there.

This is an important fight that we need to win, and there is every reason that we should be able to do that.

I just think it is very important for you to know, and for everyone listening to know, that we need to move beyond anything that puts us at a stalemate in Afghanistan.

To the extent that laws and policies are being outpaced, tell us what you need. Let us know what you need.