The New Entrant Certification Strategy has been signed by the Air Force, the NRO and NASA, and was released in October 2011.

I am confident that a multi-core buy strategy will generate significant savings versus the current practice of buying individual missions.

its [F-35's] importance to our national security is immense. The F-35 will form the backbone of U.S. air combat superiority for generations to come.

It costs money. It costs lives in a war if you are, for example, trucking fuel around.

Yes, it's important that Pakistan address the Haqqani Network's use of their soil.

The Department established a policy in 2008 that restricts use of cluster munitions after 2018 to those that have a submunition failure rate of not more than 1 percent.

Yes, it's essential for the Afghan Government to provide services for their people.

I have high confidence that the Iraqis can handle.

I am confident that we're on the path toward this transition.

Yes, it's in the security interest of the Afghans that their government end corruption.

The Guide provides a risk-based approach that the Air Force will use to certify the capability of potential New Entrant launch companies.

Given the interdependence of global commerce, I share the concern that national security and economic security face new risks.

It is, absolutely, and it actually began in this committee before I took office.

I do agree with General Odierno.

I support President Obama's decision to begin the deliberate, responsible drawdown of 10,000 U.S. surge forces from Afghanistan over the course of this year, with a further drawdown of the remaining 23,000 surge forces by the end of summer…

Any proposed change or changes to the current system will be evaluated carefully and consideration of those obligations will be of the highest priority.

The Guard and Reserves, we couldn't have done what we've done over the last 10 years without the contribution of the Guard and Reserves.

I would also like to thank Senator Lieberman for the kindness and honor of his introduction, for all he has done for this country.

Yes, the reconciliation or the reintegration of lower level Taliban be continued.

I think Senator McCain used the word 'intolerable' and I would agree with that.

I'm not completely satisfied with any part of the F-35 that's showing cost growth and the F-135 engine has.

If confirmed, I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve President Obama and Secretary Panetta in a new role.

U.S. policy toward Afghanistan is not contingent on a single leader. Rather, our commitment is to the people of Afghanistan.

I do support the President's decision to withdraw 30,000 U.S. surge forces from Afghanistan by next summer.

There will be a robust civilian mission--as Iraq becomes a normal country.