Kay Hagan

That is why I joined my colleagues in a bipartisan effort beginning last fall to modernize and reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act.

If we do not take a comprehensive approach to preparing all of America's workers for the demands of a competitive and constantly changing economy, many will continue to fall behind, and that is a price our Nation cannot afford to pay.

I think we need to work with the countries in the region that have a proven track record in rehabilitating the terrorists to accept detainees transferred from Guantanamo Bay.

We need to be mindful of the fact that the countries in the region, such as Yemen, are currently incapable of mitigating the threat posed by the returned Guantanamo Bay detainees.

I'm concerned about the civilian nuclear reactor facilities, do they have the capability and the power to protect and safeguard the highly-enriched uranium?

Do you think that's something we should begin the process and examine that in great detail?

How do the proposed cuts by Secretary Gates involving missile defense affect our capability to counter attacks against the nuclear threats posed by North Korea and Iran?

Would engaging with Puntland without the consent of the TFG or Somaliland send a negative signal?

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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.

We have got to work together on this.

There is also a situation where if there is a violation of an immigration status that there's fear that people who are deported back to the Congo will be murdered when they arrive.

I want to congratulate Admiral Stavridis on the rescue of Keith Stansell, Thomas Howes, and Mark Gonsalves.

The use of violence, rape, murders, and other atrocities that these groups commit against citizens in these areas is something that we all look at in a very negative way.

If there is such a stealing of the oil, though, there has to be a distribution network set up to deal with it.

I do think that sustained robust assistance for Pakistan's going to be very important for us to help maintain stability in that country.