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.

We have the finest fighting force the world has ever known.

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.

An important purpose of our posture in the Asia Pacific region is to deter aggression by any power, including Russia.

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

Every dollar wasted is a dollar we don't have to provide our troops with the training and equipment they need.

The U.S. approach to the Arctic should support our core objectives to ensure security and promote defense cooperation.

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

If confirmed as Secretary of Defense, my responsibilities would be to protect America and its friends and allies in a turbulent and dangerous world.

If confirmed as Secretary of Defense, I pledge to make needed change in the Pentagon, but also to seek support from Congress because I know that in the end, Congress holds the power of the purse.