Ash Carter

I will ensure that DOD continues to work with Taiwan as develops its requirements to determine what support the Department could provide.

The administration can assist Taiwan by evaluating the projected threat from China, consulting closely with Congress, and providing recommendations on defense articles and services appropriate for Taiwan.

I am committed to ensuring the Department is vigilant in guarding its servicemembers against unfair and predatory lending practices.

I understand the Administration's policy to be that the determination of whether to try detainees in civilian courts versus military commissions is made on a case-by-case basis.

Congress has set a clear standard for the Secretary of Defense, and I will follow it faithfully if confirmed.

If confirmed, I would, in close consultation with our senior military leaders, provide the President with my best strategic advice as to how to most effectively counter the ISIL threat.

If confirmed, I will direct the Department to carefully review and evaluate the Commission's recommendations to ensure they sustain the All-Volunteer Force, provide the benefits to our servicemembers that are required, and achieve fiscal…

I am concerned that recent Chinese actions... has raised regional tensions and complicated efforts to peacefully manage and resolve territorial disputes.

The United States has a longstanding national interest in preserving the freedom of navigation, and in the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.

They have really come through for us.

I do think it is important, and I don't think there is any inherent conflict between religious freedom and religious expression and good order and discipline.

In a phrase, 'exceptionally grave,' and that is for two reasons. First of all, they might use them. But second, their having them is likely to stimulate yet others to get them.

I think they need to spend more on their own defense because their own defense is also our defense.

Thank you for everything you have done. I have, from the outside looking in, observed and admired the ideas and the energy and the commitment you have shown to getting rid of this scourge of sexual assault.

If I am confirmed, you can count that I am attentive to this issue of retaliation and determined to do something about it.

I think deterrence requires that a potential aggressor know that you have the capability to respond.

I am in favor of reintroducing to the acquisition system the role of the customer, which is the chiefs of the military services.

I think that is an important thing to do.

I think energy security is an important part of national security.

India is, in my view, destined to be a strategic partner of the United States.

I certainly support that, and if I am confirmed, I would want to look into what more we can do to do that.

Our strength in Europe is our alliance with NATO and the political solidarity that that represents.

I wish the European states--and many Secretary of Defenses have said this over the years--were investing more in their own defense.

It hits everybody, and it hits them hard, and it hits them soon, which means that we don't have time to adjust.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to the Guard and Reserve for what they have done over the last 12-13 years.