I believe the congressional notification of the F-16 retrofit reflects a smart defense policy that provides real and immediate contributions to Taiwan's security.

I hope that this is not seen as an opportunity for those who want to whack the Pentagon budget to do so in a way that will impair our ability to defend ourselves or protect our national security interests.

Mr. Panetta, the Senate-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 included an amendment I sponsored that required DOD to report to Congress within 90 days on the status and capabilities of Taiwan's…

It has taken the Army '10 years to achieve a size, structure, and capability that we can reasonably describe as balanced.'

I think most Americans would find it shocking that DOD is unable to produce timely, accurate, and complete information to support management decisions.

I think it is important that the American people understand the threat to our country, our national interests, our interests of our allies and American citizens extends beyond solely al Qaeda.

I remain extremely concerned by the intense cartel-driven violence occurring in Mexico, just a stone's throw from my own home State.

The Obama administration's strong commitment to the TRA is evident in its actions.

The defense of Taiwan cannot be viewed through the narrow prism of airpower alone.

Mr. Panetta, what is your opinion on the proper role of DOD in ensuring that our military personnel and their families have a meaningful opportunity to vote in Federal elections, regardless of whether they are stateside or overseas?

Mr. Panetta, in his April speech on debt reduction, the President targeted security spending for $400 billion in cuts over the next 12 years, the preponderance of which is expected to come from the DOD budget. If confirmed, will you pursue…