The Federal acquisition process consists of many onerous rules and regulations.

A key message that has been shared by a lot of the stakeholders that we have met with is the importance of the defense industrial base to our Nation's security.

I would like to extend my condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and crewmembers who died as a result of this tragic marine casualty.

I want to thank you for scheduling the morning's hearing to delve into the safety of cruise vessels in light of the January 13th, 2012, grounding of the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy.

It is hard for me to recall another instance where the solution to a policy problem has been so apparent, yet the reaction of the Congress is so contrary or unresponsive.

Thank you for scheduling this morning's hearing to assess the capabilities of the U.S. Coast Guard's ability to maintain and protect the sovereign interests of the United States in the Arctic.

We either choose to address this challenge or we risk losing a critical foothold necessary to maintain U.S. sovereignty in an Arctic frontier of emerging global economic importance.

How do we ensure that the incentives for industry drive the operation...

I want to thank you for putting this panel on today, and pleased to be joining the panel members here today.

Is there a way to protect that intellectual property in the contracting process?

This panel is charged with looking at ways DOD can improve its business practices, not only for the benefit of the DOD budget, but also for the benefit of local companies who want to provide services and goods.