Chuck Hagel

I think, first, we stay focused on our policy and that is preventing the Iranians from acquiring any capability to weaponize.

Allow me to express my appreciation to this subcommittee for its continued support of our men and women in uniform and our civilian workforce.

I will meet with the President to brief him on the results to give him a sense of the choices that will have to be made if the DOD topline remains sequestered beyond fiscal year 2013.

We have the best and strongest military in the world. I am so proud to play a small role here in this subcommittee to make sure they have what is necessary to be successful in keeping America safe.

I think the cyber threat is probably the most insidious, dangerous threat overall for this country.

As you all know, their well-being depends on the decisions we make here in Washington.

I do not think we can minimize this threat, Senator, and I think it is going to be with us.

the only thing that is going to fix this problem is a change in the sequestration

It could change everything.

The Department of Defense faces the significant challenge of conducting long-term planning and budgeting at a time of considerable uncertainty.

I think it is a key component because it is about confidence. It is about self-governance. It is about rights.

Should the Assad regime use chemical weapons, I would be concerned about the welfare and safety of the Syrian people.

Certainly every nation has the right to protect itself in their own interest of self-defense.

The potential proliferation of chemical weapons in Syria is one of our top security concerns today.

The transfer of chemical weapons to terrorists will not be allowed.

The administration's goal remains a managed political transition led by the Syrian people.

You better always ask the end game questions. Where is this going? Where is it likely to end?

It is still not clear enough to make any conclusive adjustments to a policy recommendation.

Although it is difficult to predict what the precise Iranian reactions would be to a no-fly zone, given that Syria remains one of Iran's only partners in the region, and given Syria's role as a conduit to support Hezbollah, it is likely…

The United States is heavily engaged in supporting the SOC and SMC as a counterweight to extremist elements in Syria.

. . . it hasn't achieved the objective, obviously.

If we did not get into this the right way, if we get into it, there could be more bloodshed.

I would echo what the Chairman said. In addition, I would just tell you, this committee, that I am committed to working with you to try to find some way we can do more responsibly that is effective.

I have joined with him in pressing to look for additional ways to put military pressure on Assad, sending a message of inevitability, a message of determination, and I think for many reasons, the sooner the better.

The United States remains in close contact with Israel on the deteriorating situation in Syria.