We need productivity growth in the defense sector.

It is a fundamental constraint on our ability to get competition.

We can't support our troops with the capabilities they need unless we do so.

The Department is willing to make the tough decision to cancel programs that are not delivering.

I support, as does the Secretary, the initiatives Congress directed when it unanimously passed the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act (WSARA) of 2009.

I want to thank Senator McCain for suggesting that we have a hearing on the JSF program promptly.

you're going to be relentlessly pursuing affordability.

The JSF will form the backbone of U.S. air combat superiority for the next generation.

Merely to say that the F-35 program started before we enacted the acquisition reform is not going to be an acceptable answer.

The JAT determined that the cost growth projections are to a significant degree reversible.

I'd like to do better and I'd like to challenge the contractors to do better, more jets, faster, cheaper.

Any perturbation of the cost, schedule, or performance of a program that intends to buy more than 2,400 aircraft will have significant implications.

We have asked the contractors to share in those investments required to get us back on schedule.

If there's any kind of silver lining to this story, it is only this, that as between this story which was optimistic and the story that I painted last time of the JET estimate.

I share your view that the U.S. Government needs to take the steps necessary to allow our country to exploit the benefits of wind energy generation without compromising national security.

I believe that the Department should be open-minded about how nondevelopmental products could be acquired and used by the Armed Forces.

What is not changing is that the world looks to the United States to use its power for good.

If confirmed, I would work to ensure that DOD selects the most effective approach to meeting its requirements.

I believe that rapid acquisition will be a matter of the highest priority for me.

I seek the consent of this committee and the Senate for this job.

I certainly require your consent. But in view of the challenges to the Department, I'm going to need your advice, too.

They really do need to be made to feel the consequences of this last action, if we are going to have any chance of turning this situation around.