Adam Smith

We have a very large, very capable force. We have spent nearly as much as the rest of the world combined on our defense budget every year for 15 years.

I think we have all learned the limitations of major full-scale occupations and full-scale ground wars in place like this.

I think that is an important model going forward for the threats we face and how to confront them.

If Members are upset about the amount of money being spent somewhere, then tell us where we can find it.

The greatest threat to our national security, he felt, was our weak economy and our budget deficit.

I have consistently said that we can rationally evaluate our national security strategy, our defense expenditures, and the current set of missions we ask the military to undertake and come up with a strategy that enhances national security…

This strategic review appropriately places a renewed focus on the critically important Asia-Pacific region, which will likely result in an enhanced role for the Air Force in our national defense.

I believe it is important for the Air Force leadership to continue its public discussion to better ensure that Guard and Reserve personnel fully accept that they have received and will receive equitable and fair treatment in this…

I can't think of a better team than Secretary McHugh and General Odierno to lead our Army during these challenging times.

Over the last ten years, the Army has been an important part of our efforts to defeat violent extremists and ensure our national security.

The Army will continue to play a key role in our national defense.

We need a comprehensive approach that looks at revenue, mandatory spending, and discretionary.

The depth of denial in this country, not just in this town, about where the deficit is at, and what is going to be required to respond to it is unprecedented.

All three of those pieces have to be on the table if we are going to seriously deal with this.

I think it is imperative that we avoid it for many of the reasons that have been stated.

Over the last few years, with the strong support of the Navy and Marine Corps, our military has put together a significant string of foreign policy successes, including the death of bin Laden, Anwar Al-Awlaki, the elimination of much of Al…

Overall, the defense budget is also fully consistent with the funding levels set by the Budget Control Act passed by Congress.

I have consistently said that we can rationally evaluate our national security strategy, our defense expenditures, and the current set of missions we ask the military to undertake and come up with a strategy that enhances national security…

A key component of this strategic shift is, as Secretary Panetta stated yesterday, a 'Navy that maintains forward presence and is able to penetrate enemy defenses and a Marine Corps that is a middleweight expeditionary force with…

I am particularly interested in the new laydown, the shift in the focus to the Asian theater.

I truly believe that the plan that you put forth does the best job of doing that that we could do in our uncertain world.

A lot has changed in the last 10 years, and it has certainly made sense to have the top leadership at the Pentagon get together and look at those changes.

We must prevent this. Now, it is possible and I think highly likely, actually, that we would come in, in December, and find a way to avoid sequestration.

I do share the Chairman's concerns about sequestration. I think it is just not debatable that it would be devastating.

I think you have done a great job.