Jim Inhofe

Some alternative fuels, such as biofuels, cost five to eight times as much as conventional fuels, with no guarantee that market forces will bring these costs down.

I believe DOD can and should improve efficiencies in energy use and expand in the use of alternative energy sources; however, it should not come at the cost of manning, training, or equipping the force.

The Air Force is currently flying the oldest fleet of aircraft in its history.

The Air Force remains fully committed to the F-35 program, which is the future of the fighter force.

If sequestration takes effect, the resulting across-the-board cuts would be devastating to our military's readiness.

I would want to maintain those programs in a very strong way, not just IMET but train-and-equip, FMS, foreign military financing, and some of the other programs.

People are dying because we are not using it properly.

General Allen made a statement, and he had some pretty strong feelings because of the rumors that are out there, that perhaps prior to the mandatory withdrawal of 2014 they might be accelerating this. He had some strong feelings about…

I think they have renamed that the Combatant Commander's Initiative Fund program, the 1206 train and equip International Military Education and Training (IMET) program.

I fully support the modernization of our nuclear weapons labs.

There has not been one new detainee admitted since 2008.

Dr. Hicks, how would a unilateral reduction impact our ability to deter, provide extended deterrence, and defend ourselves, if attacked?

I will be asking some specific questions for the record on that issue.

I would like to have you be aware and talk to General Ham about what a mistake that would be.

Once these relations are developed, they do not end and they are always there.

Let me repeat what has already been said. We appreciate so much the service of all three of you and look forward to serving with you.

Dr. Hicks, can you describe the criteria for the release of detainees and do you support releasing them to a host country?

I have personally talked to the presidents of many of the countries who agree that would have been good except they can never sell the idea to the Africans because they will think about going back to colonialism.

I reiterate that this or any other carve-out strategy would be a strategic mistake.

I would only say, do you not think that our involvement, the United States, in oil and gas there could add transparency to the system?

I think I am on record about as strongly as I can be about how important this region is to our country

I first wish to thank the Senator from Iowa for allowing me to move in front of him; and I ask unanimous consent that at the conclusion of my remarks he be recognized. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Dr. Hicks, in a taped interview about the shift in strategy in January 2012, you maintain that DOD can still execute a two-war strategy.

As of December 29, 2011, of the 599 that have been released, 167 we can document have returned to the fight.

Now, that delay really inures to the benefit of the applicant, to give them time.