Kirsten Gillibrand

Cutting those programs obviously puts us at great risk.

I am very troubled about emerging threats as New York City is one of the top terror targets.

I am worried about our training.

They view it as an opportunity to get involved, be on the cutting edge of the technology with regards to cyber, develop tremendous skills there, and be able to then go out and use those skills in the private sector.

Does DOD remain intent on creating its own Defense Clandestine Service (DCS)?

How do you assess our Intelligence Community capabilities in these countries?

How would you characterize the relationships between DOD and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in terms of command and control of the drones?

Secretary Panetta, you have said that as the size of the military is reduced, DOD will continue to grow its Special Forces cadre, with a projection from 64,000 today to 72,000 by 2017.

The relevance of AFRICOM to our national security has become more pronounced; yet, it remains the only regional combatant command that is neither in the United States nor its AOR.

We have to better assess and build up the capabilities of host governments to both provide security for U.S. personnel and facilities.

How do you ensure that in creating such similar services, you don't run the risk of stovepiping collection efforts?

In the wake of the Arab Spring, in countries where people rose up and overthrew corrupt regimes hoping to usher in the freedoms associated with democratic rule, we are now watching jihadist and fundamentalist movements aligned against our…

Is there evidence that funding is coming from Gulf countries? If so, what leverage should we use to address their support for groups and movements that threaten our security?

How will AFRICOM be resourced to ensure it can match growing interests and engagement in Africa?

Is the funding coming primarily through criminal activities like kidnap for ransom, piracy, or drug and arms smuggling?

I'm specifically concerned that this was an attack in a country that the United States helped liberate from decades of dictatorship.

This is absolutely necessary to protect our Nation against what is becoming a leading security threat.

What can or should DOD do to preempt the growth and spread of al Qaeda and its adherents and affiliates?

As al Qaeda's footprint expands in a decentralized manner, so too must its funding streams.

What leverage should we be using with the Gulf governments to address the support for groups that threaten our security?

Imagine doing ROTC specifically for cyber personnel.

We have to develop a comprehensive strategy that allows us to be able to develop operations against them wherever they're at.

How do we effectively stem the flow of money?

Thank you both very much again for your service and your testimony.

My focus today is going to be, of course, on Sandy-related projects, because that is obviously the most urgent issue.