Jack Reed

There has been a lot of debate concerning the number of RD-180 engines we will need.

We are all sitting here saying we have got to stop buying RD-180s, do it smartly and do it quickly.

That would be a vulnerability that would be significant.

I believe that today's hearing has three issues that the committee needs to understand and follow up.

Tomorrow I will be introducing legislation with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy to strike language air-dropped into the 2,000-page omnibus bill last month.

The issue in Libya is critical. There are two elements that have been discussed publicly...

I have every confidence that both Lieutenant General Waldhauser, as AFRICOM Commander, and Lieutenant General Lengyel will fulfill these difficult jobs.

The Chief of National Guard Bureau plays a critical role of facilitating and mediating the interests of the States.

Both nominees today are, in my view, eminently qualified for the positions for which they have been nominated.

We must recognize that high operational tempo, reduced readiness, and lucrative opportunities outside the Air Force continue to drive some of our best talent to leave the Service.

You are going to confront... this evolving hybrid warfare

I believe that we should continue both assistance and aid in the kinds of assets that they need

We have to succeed there because if we succeed there, it will be the most effective way to dissuade any further aggression

The decision with respect to the force structure in Afghanistan should be made soon, not later

Such silence doesn't empower moderates, it emboldens bullies.

If my concerns were not alleviated, I would continue to advocate for my legal position...

I join you in welcoming our nominees, and I thank you for holding this hearing to fill important civilian vacancies in the Department of Defense.

I look forward to your explanations and empirical data on this important issue.

I concur entirely with your summation. I think the general is superbly qualified.

My sense--and again, if you could give us some insight--is that their commitment, our allies, will be calibrated based on our commitment.

The responsibility to go after those forces in Afghanistan is your responsibility, as the commander of operations there?

This decision has to be made early enough so that you can take operational responsibility for the decision.

We really should be looking at a decision period in the middle of this year.

We must ensure that our military is prepared for the challenges we face.

Your service throughout has been extraordinary.