Rob Portman

I'm concerned about some other aspects of the budget, but let me focus on something else positive which is the small modular reactor licensing technical support program.

I think for the taxpayer, it's definitely going to cost the taxpayer more over time if we get away from the accelerated cleanup.

To the question as to whether energy storage is part of efficiency, yes, it is and part of using our system more efficiently.

I like some things in the budget. One is energy efficiency as Senator Shaheen has just talked about.

I am finding out new information as we talk. This has been incredibly confusing for me, because I am trying to get to the facts, as I know you are.

This is what I'm hearing from the private sector and certainly hearing from you.

Are you satisfied that you and your leadership completely understand the risk associated with shutting down the U.S. tank industrial base in 2014?

Are these costs funded in the Army budget request?

Are there Abrams tank suppliers that provide U.S. specific content that we would be in danger of losing if we did not produce any domestic tanks?

I think there needs to be a wakeup call here that we need to act and act soon in order to avoid that.

What is the Army's long-term modernization strategy for Stryker?

Why do you want to end procurement at 742 vehicles?

General Mattis, what is your estimate of fuel required for fiscal year 2013 for two or four C-27Js fulfilling resupply missions in Afghanistan as opposed to those missions supported by a combination of CH-47s, C-130s, or contractor airlift?

The value of competition in our procurement practices is critical to achieving the best-value for our Government and its taxpayers.

It not only adds another $12 trillion to our debt, taking it up to over $25 trillion.

The mandatory spending for the military sustainable, you gave a simple answer, no.

I think, frankly, the fiscal year 2013 budget presentation by the Air Force did not have the kind of analysis and did not have the kind of relationship with Congress that would have been helpful particularly with regard to the Air Guard…

Senator Ayotte's comments on nuclear modernization are probably some of the more significant ones that we have heard today.

If Iran proceeds developing nuclear weapons, we will take whatever steps are necessary to stop it.

We need effective partners. We cannot do it all ourselves.

This deteriorating situation in Central America is heartbreaking.

Should whistleblower protections extend to employees of subcontractors?

Thank you, Chairman McCaskill. I appreciate it. And thanks to the witnesses for being here today, and thanks for holding this hearing on a truly important topic, particularly at a time when we are looking at bigger and bigger debt, $15…

I thank my colleague for his comments and look forward to working with him. Again, it is a simple amendment. It is a jobs amendment. It is perfectly germane to the bill. It is exactly the type of amendment that I think should not be…

I want to thank you all for your help today and the help you have given us up to this point.