Chuck Hagel

The United States will continue to take steps to impede the growth of these programs.

North Korea's continued attempts to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs constitute a threat to U.S. national security.

As part of the revised DOD SAPR policy, we implemented new standards for medical care providers to support victim care and enhance investigations.

North Korea's pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programs do not make it secure.

If we could get that, as we have said this morning... it would give us, Senator, the time, the flexibility, to do what we need to do.

The world is a different kind of world today, as everyone on this committee knows. You all travel. You go everywhere. We have new threats.

I welcome the Panel's review and scrutiny of the military justice system, and I am open to all improvements.

The United States will continue to discuss missile defense with Russia and explore opportunities for cooperation, but Russia will not be allowed to have a veto on U.S. missile defense plans, programs, or decisions.

The military justice system must serve two critical purposes: (1) to provide justice for all participants in the system, including victims, and (2) to support good order and discipline throughout the ranks.

Curbing the growth in compensation is prudent and does not increase risk to recruiting and retention programs.

Other countries, like Iran, seeking nuclear weapons should take note of North Korea's experience.

I have not made a recommendation to the President that we should militarily intervene.

I value the service of all members of DOD equally.

We are going to have to continue to train our military to be prepared to deal with every eventuality, every contingency, every option.

I deeply regret this decision. I continue to urge our Nation's leaders to reach an agreement to reduce the deficit and de-trigger sequestration.

We will have to share it with Congress because, as I said in my opening statement, Congress is a partner here.

The President is committed to carrying out the law.

I think it is pretty clear, as we are consolidating our bases and handing over responsibilities.

There is no silver bullet to eliminate sexual assault.

Missile defense is an essential component of securing this country, the interests of this country.

It is clear to the leadership in Afghanistan and the people that we are not there to occupy.

We will be coming up to Congress with a significant package of reprogramming requests.

If sequester levels remain in place, DOD will ask for flexibility to apply the reductions in a more strategic manner.

I have made it abundantly clear that there is no place in DOD for sexual assault and made it a top priority to do everything possible to reduce and prevent sexual assault.

I recently directed the Secretaries of the Military Departments to assess, monitor, and develop methods to improve victim treatment by their peers, co-workers, and chains of command, and to report their methods to me by November 1, 2013.