John Cornyn

The United States reserves the right to use all necessary means--diplomatic, informational, military, and economic--to defend our Nation.

I believe consulting closely with U.S. allies and partners, and with Congress, on defense posture will allow the United States to respond effectively to the challenges confronting the Asia-Pacific region in the 21st century.

The loss of intellectual property from U.S. public and private sector networks has a corrosive effect on our military strength.

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

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.

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

It seems that, if the F-35B variant is not fielded in its intended numbers, the United States will have failed to leverage the enormous capability provided by amphibious assault ships.

The F-35 will form the backbone of U.S. air combat superiority for generations to come.

The Department needs the JSF to deal with advanced fighters and surface-to-air missiles world-wide.

Based on current and projected threats, I believe it is critical that we transition to a fifth generation capability across the Services while maintaining sufficient legacy inventory capacity to prevail in current and near-term conflicts.

When Taiwan is ready to pay cash for American exported military aircraft, why would we deny them that ability?

Dr. Carter, recognizing that over 70 percent of weapons systems costs are borne in the sustainment vice the initial purchase, you have spurred the Services to focus their efforts at savings there.

The F/A-18E/F is a highly capable aircraft designed to meet and defeat today's threats.

We need JSF to deal with advanced fighters and surface-to-air missiles worldwide, especially in the stressing electronic warfare environments of the future.

A procurement 'holiday' of sufficient magnitude could erode key sectors of the industrial base.

A Taiwan that is unable to protect itself could lead to instability in Northeast Asia.

The United States is statutorily obligated to make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services "as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability."

The Marine Corps has a validated and pressing need for a short takeoff, vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft.

The Air-Sea Battle concept has been described by some as a new way for the Navy and Air Force to work together.

During your confirmation hearing, in response to Senator McCain's question regarding defense cuts in the range of $800 billion to $1 trillion, you responded that 'based on the difficulty of achieving the $400 billion cut, I believe $800…

U.S.-China military-to-military relations improved in 2009, based on the commitment of President Obama and President Hu to deepen and improve ties.

According to DOD's 2010 report, Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China (PRC), 'China's military build-up opposite the island [Taiwan] continued unabated.'

Any cuts that negatively affect our ability to project U.S. military power must be carefully considered.

Defeating these strategies and capabilities will require the Joint Force to better integrate core military competencies across all domains.

Failure to honor our commitments may cause regional partners to lose confidence in the United States as a reliable security partner.