I have to say that I agree with you on that. We have an infrastructure problem in this country, Mr. Secretary, and everybody in this room knows it.

It causes me concern that Secretary Kerry would feel this way while at the same time trying to negotiate a nuclear deal with this terrorist nation.

I would simply point out, they're--these are not jingoistic cowboys.

I hope to work with you on that, and I hope we will all 'fess up in Congress as adults that if you are going to build some infrastructure, you got to pay for it.

I hope that I speak for Senator Hirono, my ranking member on the Subcommittee on Seapower...

We have kept the sea lanes open you say. We have kept freedom of navigation open for anybody engaged in peaceful and legitimate trade.

The most important piece is the political piece and you have leadership that is able to bring the country forward.

I cannot think of a troop that's in a hotter spot than you are.

I am very interested in and concerned about organic multi-spectral signature management sensor defeat capabilities, especially given the current Short-Wave Infra-Red (SWIR) threat and the ease of availability of multi-spectral sensors.

There is a feeling among many people in this city that actually the administration is not speaking with one clear voice on this.

If sequestration returns in October, what sort of gap will these cuts create between Asia's rebalance strategy and the already important tasks of deterring Russia and defeating ISIS?

I am very concerned about the amount of lift available in order to support our plans, and the maintenance of that lift, as well.

I would hope that a strong signal could be sent from this Obama administration that, indeed, we are serious about getting something done that actually works.

I think everybody has been saying boots on the ground are going to be needed to defeat ISIL.

It was stunning to hear you admit that we were caught by surprise.

We understand that we have a requirement for 50 amphibious ships. Is that correct?

I just wonder who, in that whole list of neighboring countries, has the capacity to go in and retake this territory?

we cannot do it by ourselves, and that they have to bear their fair share of any burden.

I am also interested in working with you to make Grow America a program that we can all be proud of.

Given the Short-Wave Infra-Red (SWIR) threat that our Armed Forces face today, can you detail near-term fielding plans for a SWIR-defeating signature management camouflage system for Rapid Reaction Forces, given that Service-wide fielding…

I hope we do. Last week before the committee, I pointed out to Secretary Carter and General Dempsey that things are headed in the right direction in Afghanistan.

I do question the sort of optimistic note that you have in your testimony.

I think I'm learning that the French, for example, aren't quite there, but there's a determination to get to 2 percent of GDP for defense quicker.

I appreciate everything you have said about Trade Promotion Authority and the importance of trade agreements to create jobs in America and to expand our exports.

I view the situation now in Afghanistan as a success story.