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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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