Even for those who want a privatized system a first step is some type of Government guarantee.

the only game in town was Fannie and Freddie, but at least we were able to keep a housing market.

the markets go up and down. And there are times when the private market, just because of the returns and the economic climate, will cover all the needs.

there has to be at least a way to come back and move the market.

I do worry that, in some sense, waiting until there is the perfect solution means that we do not do anything.

I am pleased to introduce the Responsible Student Loan Solutions Act with Senator Durbin to offer a long-term approach to setting student loan interest rates. Congress must take swift action to prevent the doubling of the interest rate on…

the long-term goal for fleet size is 313 ships.

That was one of his opening questions, and I did not get to it in my response.

The force structure gap created between the inactivation of CVN-65 and the commissioning on CVN-78 was the direct result of previous DOD and Navy decisions.

Will the Navy have the resilience to avoid letting the shipyard make very inefficient, expensive production decisions?

So your operation force would be, presumably, equipped with some of the sophisticated weapons that are available now.

That is an interesting comment. Thank you very much.

I am pleased to introduce the Workforce Investments through Local Libraries Act or the WILL Act with Senator Cochran. During these challenging economic times, our one-stop system has been stretched to the limit. Stepping in to help have…

Thank you, Senator Blumenthal.

This has been a very thoughtful and constructive hearing.

I think the Senator has made some excellent comments.

we shouldn't be making changes in the middle of a shipbuilding acquisition contract.

Secretary Stackley, one recurring theme obviously is sequestration.

I cannot think of a more complicated military operation than amphibious assault.

Unit integrity is critical to us, obviously.

Thank you very much, Admiral McCoy.

I suspect that the gap period has led to pressure to maintain the construction schedule at the expense of efficiency and total costs.

Could I ask you when you conclude and have your results thoroughly vetted--would you be available either in an open or a closed session to come back and let us know about the lessons you have learned, particularly the lessons learned based…

Well, thank you very much. That adds, I think, some context and some real value to what has been so far a very valuable discussion in and of itself.

And let me join you in saluting the Capital Police officers, who protect us every day and today particularly.