The readiness and posture of U.S. troops on the peninsula are key to stopping a dangerous regime from destabilizing the region with unwarranted attacks.

South Korea is an absolutely critical ally and partner in many ways.

The President has been clear that he is prepared to engage constructively with North Korea.

North Korea's decision to launch a ballistic missile violates the moratorium agreement announced on February 29, 2012.

I look forward to your testimony, particularly in talking about the proposed missile launch that North Korea is talking about doing in mid-April.

This puts our 28,000 troops and the 24 million citizens of Seoul, the world's fourth largest city, easily within the erratic regime's lethal reach.

North Korea is about as unpredictable and dangerous actor as we have to deal with in the world today.

This is typical behavior shown by the regime--a cycle of provocations and reconciliations designed to get what they want without giving up their nuclear weapons program.

I concur completely in your opening remarks about the importance of the region, the importance of our alliance with South Korea, and the danger and the threat that North Korea poses to security in that region and, indeed, security in the…

I have total confidence in you and your command. The challenge in Afghanistan continues to be great.

We want our troops home. We want the Afghan people back in charge of their own security, back in charge of their own government.

I remain very concerned about the President's decision last summer to speed up withdrawal of the surge troops from Afghanistan.