Secretary Hagel and General Dempsey, am I correct in understanding that if sequestration continues after fiscal year 2015, it will make it very difficult to maintain our technological advantage in the future?

I am deeply concerned about a proposal from the Air Force that's in discussion now that would remove all of the C-130s stationed at Pope Army Air Field at Fort Bragg.

I appreciate your service. I know you have a lot on your plate today.

I too want to express my deep concern, my heartfelt prayers and condolences, to what's taking place at Fort Hood now.

I was so pleased at the beginning of the hearing to hear Chairman Johnson's introduction and welcome to you as the first woman to head up the Federal Reserve.

If allowed to continue, sequestration will drastically reduce future military readiness and actually jeopardize the national security of our country.

I supported the recent budget after I heard from top military leadership in North Carolina's military community about the urgent need to halt sequestration of our defense budget.

We cannot balance the budget on the backs of those who have answered the call of duty.

I feel strongly that the recent COLA cuts need to be repealed, as I said earlier.

If confirmed, I would examine it fully with the States, the National Guard Bureau, the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve.

I think that is a powerful program that allows our servicemembers to pursue education in their off time.