The Department should continue to focus on defense cooperation in support of Taiwan's transformation to a volunteer force.

Making these irreversible force structure changes to the Guard before we have had a chance to see what the Commission has to say about ARI would not be advisable and does not make sense to me.

For too long, Europe has relied on the American taxpayer for their security.

It is critical that we continue to implement this longstanding commitment.

We've had discussion about Russia and the seriousness of the Russian threat, as well as the more immediate threat of ISIS.

We can meet both of these objectives, and we must.

I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. Amendment No. 178 The PRESIDING OFFICER. There are now 2 minutes of debate equally divided prior to a vote in relation to the Markey amendment No. 178…

I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. Amendment No. 70 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, there is now 2 minutes of debate prior to a vote in relation to amendment No. 70…

The reason that people like Senator Warner and I would be willing to embrace chained CPI is it is deemed by economists to be the most accurate measure of the inflation rate as it affects consumers.

General Odierno, Admiral Greenert, General Welsh, and General Dunford, are each of you prepared to execute a budget that incorporates sequestration through at least fiscal year 2016?

If we do not have the resources to train and equip the force, our soldiers, our young men and women, are the ones who will pay the price, potentially with their lives.

Our nation needs a larger and more successful middle class, not a larger, more intrusive and fiscally foolish Federal Government.

the program will be broke if we do not fix it.

A return to sequestration would force Navy to degrade current and future fleet readiness, significantly weakening our ability to respond to crises and project power overseas.

No nation in history has maintained its military power if it failed to keep its fiscal house in order.

Given sequestration's impending return, what is the Navy's near-term contingency plan to help protect and preserve the U.S. shipbuilding industry?

The failure of our economy to recover is the President's record over the last six years.

It does not seem to have calmed down as some people thought.

I think everyone is in agreement, if you are receiving a Federal retirement benefit, that benefit should not be eaten away by inflation.

We lose 4, 5, 6 months on a program like for us the Ohio replacement program where we do not have time.

Bottom line--stable budgets at a higher level than BCA are critical to long-term strategic planning, meeting the DSG, and protecting the Homeland.

The clock is ticking away on that predictability. Is it not, General?

We must confront spending. Bring the overspending to an end and ultimately balance the budget.

What additional legislative authorizes do you require to allow your Services the flexibility needed to avoid hollowing out the force?

As Senator Sanders says, we have a deficit of employment.