I believe the U.S. Government only recognizes the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia.

Incidents of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea are reportedly on the rise--I suspect inspired by the reports of riches from ransom payments made to Somali pirates.

Would this encompass training/equipping security forces in Puntland and Somaliland?

How are we mitigating potential issues associated with links to warlords and individuals linked to al Qaeda, al-Shabaab, or both?

I agree with Secretary Gates' insight to leverage the capabilities that are conducive to our ever-changing operational environment.

I too want to applaud Secretary Gates's focus on restoring budget discipline in the DOD.

I think this committee is excellent, and I certainly think it is time that we try to mesh the two in a seamless fashion.

I'm going to wait for the next panel, thank you.

It feels like we ought to be doing something about that, too.

I think it is essential to promote and deploy these new provisions as quickly as possible.

I hear every day from small business owners throughout North Carolina that they have fallen victim to forces pretty much outside of their control.