Thad Cochran

Could you explain to the subcommittee the function and value of developing and utilizing ranges in the cyber domain?

I got in a little late, but I'm glad I was here to at least express the appreciation of this committee to our witnesses.

We look forward to working with you to help ensure that funding is available to do these things that we had hoped the Farm Bill authorized.

I appreciate very much the candor and the full explanation the Secretary has given us on these subjects.

The timeliness is important because of our observations about the weather.

Madam Chairman, I thank you for convening this hearing and providing the leadership that you do to this Committee.

We believe the SEED program is an excellent example of the kind of innovative and effective work that Congress can support.

It is unfortunate that we are looking to reduce the combat capabilities of the National Guard after they have proven themselves to be worthy over the past 12 years of conflict.

This is a 26-percent increase over the current year funding level. That sounds like a substantial increase.

I am pleased to join you in welcoming our distinguished panel of witnesses, one of whom is from my State of Mississippi.

Madam Chair, let me join you in thanking our panel of witnesses for being here today and helping us understand some of the issues involved in this subject.

Dr. Collins, the Jackson Heart Study, located in Jackson, Mississippi, is the largest-ever investigation of cardiovascular disease in African Americans.

Thank you. That is very exciting, Mr. Chairman.

I am pleased to join you and other members of the committee at this hearing.

We believe the SEED program is an excellent example of the kind of innovative and effective work that Congress can support.

That is very exciting, Mr. Chairman.

We appreciate your attention to the appropriations request for NIH.

I am proud that the Mississippi National Guard was the first to stand up a Guard unit containing C-17 transport aircraft.

I question the analysis behind the recommendation to deactivate Keesler's 815th Tactical Airlift Squadron, which we know as the 'Flying Jennies', and move the 10 C-130J transport aircraft.

I am very pleased to join you in welcoming Secretary James, General Welsh, General Grass, and the leaders of the Air Guard and Reserve, to our committee's hearing to review the Air Force budget request for fiscal year 2015.

I hope that we don't get so carried away that we forget some of the primary responsibilities of these agencies.

Madam Chair, thank you for scheduling this hearing.

Thank you very much. And thank you to the Senator from Alaska.

Would you consider a 12th LPD amphibious ship an unfunded requirement to address Combatant Commanders' requests and lift shortfalls?

The Navy has made significant progress in development of the Electromagnetic Railgun.