Our charge is to provide that essential security to the American people and by doing so assure our allies.

I hope to hear how the President's budget, which asks for another $120 billion out of defense, will impact our military posture and readiness.

I concur completely with the chairman. We do have to pay attention to our own hemisphere.

It is making your primary mission of drug interdiction very difficult if you don't have the assets to do that.

Moving forward, sequestration will continue to complicate how the Department of Defense plans and appropriates resources.

I was pleased last week to see that the Administration continues to respond appropriately and firmly by bolstering our capabilities and capacity to defend ourselves.

There are increasingly needs down there, in terms of military construction, as we fight the political battle back home.

I know, General Kelly, it is making your primary mission of drug interdiction very difficult if you don't have the assets to do that.

I completely support those. At the same time we have to recognize that so far they have not backed off on enriching plutonium beyond any plausible peaceful purpose.

I think there is a broadening international commitment to stopping what is going on there.

I welcome our witnesses as well, General Mattis, Admiral McRaven, General Fraser.