If confirmed, I will assess humanitarian operations and assistance in the Kurdistan region.

I define priorities for United States military assistance to Taiwan based on an evaluation and assessment of its requirements.

I cannot suggest support and stability for the defense budget without at the same time frankly noting that not every defense dollar is spent as well as it should be.

I believe it is important that the United States continue its close collaboration with other governments to stop the flow of foreign fighters into the region.

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.

A safe, secure, and reliable nuclear deterrent is essential to national security, and, if confirmed, ensuring the viability of plans for its future needs will be a priority for me.

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

I also thank Senator Lieberman for his warm and generous introduction--this is not the first time he has done so--and also for his service to this body and to the Nation.

I am a strong believer in a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear arsenal for the United States.

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

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

The Ohio Replacement Program is a vital component of our nuclear deterrence strategy.

I believe I understand our strategy at this time, Mr. Chairman.

The more we dig into it, the more dimensions of it we come to understand.

Continuing quality and excellence in the nuclear enterprise is very important. I am committed to that.

My 50-year vision is for an Arctic region that remains stable and free of conflict, where nations continue act responsibly in a spirit of trust and cooperation.

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.

If confirmed I would direct the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics to develop and implement policies that achieved these goals.

I strongly support the President's request for relief from the sequester caps in fiscal year 2016.

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.

DOD should support humanitarian operations when the Department has a unique capability to contribute.

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

I look forward to partnership with this committee in what can be a period of historic advance.

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

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.