Kelly Ayotte

Thank you all for being here.

What I wanted to understand is why we do not further use the commercial products that may be available.

So we are taking it from our core functions to do this.

In the 2015 budget, the GAO found the IRS used $12.1 million that was appropriated for taxpayer services to implement the Affordable Care Act.

Because we funded you the same on taxpayer services, and you took the money to implement Obamacare.

I think that is something that we need to look at and evaluate.

Why do you believe the U.S. needs more submarines?

How would you describe Iran's cyber activities and capabilities generally?

on April 1st, the President declared a national emergency to deal with malicious foreign cyber activities, and authorized sanctions against anyone who uses cyber activities to threaten our national security, foreign policy, financial…

The downward ramps for both the Marine Corps (20,000 in 2 years) and Army (47,000 in 4 years) are very steep.

To what extent will global conditions have to change for the worse in order to trigger a reassessment of the proposed force structure reductions?

It would be really helpful to us, especially those of us that serve jointly on the Budget and Armed Services Committee, if all of you could submit to us what you think, in terms of flexibility for OCO.

That's music to my ears, because that was my piece, and I'm glad to hear that.

If sequestration returns, what will specifically happen to the readiness of our Army Brigade Combat Teams?

if sequestration does occur, will training simulators be cut similarly to the 2013 sequestration?

of the current inventory of 31 amphibious warships, how many are prepared to embark marines and deploy right now?

Can you confirm for me whether the Air Force has made a decision to close the A-10 Division at 422 Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis?

Admiral Howard, how will the increased need affect each of the four public shipyards?

I really want people to understand.

Making events on the ground and the commitment to continue there be more conditions-based than time-based is always a good thing.

Approximately half of the Marine Corps' home station units are at an unacceptable level of readiness in their ability to execute wartime missions.

the most prudent course forward would be a ground--a conditions-based determination of what we do with those 9,800 troops.

I urge a ``yes'' vote on amendment No. 400. Unfortunately, the bipartisan work we have done on the Veterans Choice Card has not been properly implemented by the VA. Our veterans want this choice of private care. The Senator from Vermont…

I ask unanimous consent to set aside the pending amendment and call up my amendment No. 400. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will report. The senior assistant legislative clerk read…

I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund to maintain and…