Joe Wilson

I am really grateful for the leadership of Speaker Paul Ryan and Chairman Diane Black.

What can we in Congress do to help you face the multiple threats that are facing our country?

India is on the move. The economy is picking up.

We need to eliminate safe havens for terrorists abroad to defend American families at home.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Secretary Mattis and General Dunford, I want to thank you on behalf of our military service members, military families, veterans.

I would like to thank you and also the ranking member, Eliot Engel, for the legislation that we have today.

And I hope you all will be pushing hard on the 30 pending ambassadorships, that they be secured as soon as possible.

I can report firsthand that all of the State Department personnel who were with us were first class.

You discussed in your testimony how small local businesses are negatively impacted by the expanded joint employer rule.

I know personally the opportunities you provided -- my third son Julian began at Ruby Tuesday.

Thank you all for being here today, particularly Ms. Kennedy. I appreciate the opportunities you provide.

I understand that the U.S. Navy is developing advanced radar capabilities under a research, development, test, and evaluation program called 'Next Generation Surface Search Radar.'

Well, that is so important for Navy and military families.

And with the accidents, is the technology available to maintain and determine the perimeter of vessels so this won't happen again?

Well, again, thank you. And I just have to reiterate again how professional and independent your reports have been, and so helpful for Members of Congress and our military.

And thank you, Ranking Member Courtney. And truly an indication of how important this hearing is.

And you also provided extraordinary insight in regard to health care being provided to our military personnel. I urge all members of both subcommittees and the full committee to get a copy and--and it is really very helpful.

And, again, I want to commend you, the analysis that you did is going to be so helpful to us, and then the actions needed to address the mission challenges are real world. And it is just, again, reassuring, as a Member of Congress, but as…

I am especially concerned about the shortfalls in the force structure, and whether the sustained operational tempo of a reduced 277-ship Navy may have contributed to these events.

I want to thank him for his leadership and for being here today to hear about the challenges illuminated by the tragic collisions in the Pacific.

Thank you, Congressman Davis, for your compassion for the family.

Your recommendations are so important for the health and safety and protection of the American people.

I call this joint hearing of the Subcommittees on Readiness and Seapower and Projection Forces of the House Armed Services Committee to order.

I have no doubt that our Navy remains the most powerful in the world.

Thank you very much, Ms. Merritt, and indeed, your professionalism is very, very impressive.