Thad Cochran: “I appreciate very much the candor and the full explanation the Secretary has given us on these subjects.”

And I plan to use my best efforts to identify the areas that we can make improvements in, and take a hard look, but at the same time realize we need to get a bill.

I understand that the Army's unfunded requirements list includes a $3.1 billion increase in end strength beyond the fiscal year 2017 NDAA mandate.

We want to know what the priorities are for funding.

Mr. Chairman, let me join you in congratulating our panel here and the participation you're bringing to this challenge.