Thank you, Secretary Mabus, General Amos, and Admiral Greenert, for being here this morning.

I think as we talk about what we need to do in our education system, I think it is important to point out that this is a national security issue as well.

I do have some concerns that it not be used as an excuse to further reduce defense spending among our NATO allies.

Earlier last month, Senators Gillibrand, Collins, and I sent a letter to the administration to raise specific concerns about the threat of what happens to those conventional and chemical weapons.

In New Hampshire we believe that under any objective criteria our strategic location in the Northeast... would result in a very cost-effective utilization of the placement of the KC-46s.

I would hope that the Air Force and DOD will take a look and ensure that at least some of those aircraft are based at Guard bases around the country.

I'm pleased to see that the Navy is considering enhancements to the Virginia-class subs.

I think they are very proud of their contribution. I know that we all appreciate it very much.

The treaty was an extremely difficult and contentious debate here in the Senate.

the Air National Guard represents only 6 percent of the Air Force budget, and yet it provides nearly 35 percent of its capabilities.

I hope that DOD will take that very seriously and produce that, because as we're looking at our security going forward, those public shipyards are a critical part of that.

Congress must do everything possible to avoid sequestration, because I certainly agree with that.