Kelly Ayotte

Is there any legal reason that would stop you from utilizing this waiver in order to solve this issue on a more long-term basis?

I believe that 1 year is sufficient time for the employees to make personal decisions concerning their situations.

Secretary Wright, in both the DSSR and DODI 1400.25 there is an allowance for a waiver based upon 'unusual circumstances'. Was this the basis for the 1-year waiver that you granted to all LQA audit affected employees?

Secretary Wright, in Roberts v. United States (April 30, 2012), the Court stated that the LQA-granting authority has been further delegated within DOD...

Secretary Wright, has DOD estimated potential liability due to the Thomas case? If so, what is the cost estimate?

Secretary Wright, has DOD received any reimbursement claims related to Thomas? If so, how many?

Secretary Wright, given the Office of Personnel Management Compensation Claim Decision (OPM File No. 12-0020), is DOD concerned about pecuniary liability due to the Thomas ruling?

The Air Force would 'not be as ready as we would like' if ordered to take action against the Syrian regime.

Under sequestration, the Air Force would be unable to execute the 2012 Strategic Planning Guidance that requires the military to fight one major adversary and deter another.

I agree in principle sequestration is very damaging.

Do you agree with General Welsh's assessments?

I am committed to identifying the most significant challenges, as well as practical solutions to overcoming those challenges.

Superbly, to the best of my knowledge.

As far as I know, the A-10 performed superbly in Afghanistan.

If the A-10 is divested, it will be critical that these capabilities be provided through alternate means.

If there's going to be any further efforts to reduce our nuclear arsenal, that certainly it not be done unilaterally.

One of the issues that is very important to me is the modernization of our nuclear deterrent.

I'm certainly a strong supporter of the F-35 and our fifth-generation fighter, but, until the F-35 is operational, we can't be giving up our capacity.

To your knowledge, has there been any decision made to divest the A-10?

The A-10 has a very important function, in terms of close air support.

I look forward to working with you on the basing of the KC-46A tanker at Pease Air Force Base.

Reducing the role of nuclear weapons in U.S. security strategy is a U.S. objective, while Russia is pursuing new concepts and capabilities for expanding the role of nuclear weapons in its security strategy.

The addition of a new missile defense base in the Northeast or Upper Midwest would add battlespace to a potential engagement, allowing for additional decisionmaking time and supporting the future option to employ a Shoot-Assess-Shoot…

If we had an east coast site, particularly with the cancellation of the SM3 block 2B program, that it would provide additional battle space in response to an ICBM missile from Iran to the East Coast of the United States?

With the restructuring of the SM-3 Block IIB program, continuing to explore the possibility of another continental United States (CONUS) interceptor site is a prudent measure.