hear from stake holders about federal government engagement with local communities and outreach groups and ngo initiatives. we tried to stream line how we approach cases. instead of muddling the cases, thanks to the department of justice and labor and homeland security, we have in place in the obama administration, we have anti-trafficking teams. they are making investigations and prosecutions more effective and helping victims. to help gauge our responses, i have included a tier ranking in the united states in the trafficking report. i thought it was important if we were judging other countries, we judged ourselves. so, we hold ourselves to the same standards we apply to others. it is not only the fair thing to do, it is the smart thing as well. because including us, in the report made it more credible and effective as a diplomatic tool.

it shows we are all in the fight together and we have a problem, which we are continuing to address. and it's not just a document that names and shape s and shams a way forward. i appreciate everyone's efforts on this. this latest publication from the president's interagency task force, progress in combating trafficking summarizes the progress we made in the obama administration over the last three plus years. finally, we know that the future of this struggle will depend on innovative solutions. we are partnering with thinkers whose bold ideas are already helping to make a difference. we now have online tools like the slavery footprint so that people can understand the ways in which this crime affects them. it doesn't just happen to somebody far away, but it does

have ripples of criminality that come across the globe. we have new ways of looking at supply chains and policies. that can help us cut off the demand that traffickers exploit. that is particularly important when you think about the buying power of the federal government. i think that we meet at a time when we have a lot to be grateful for in terms of the enhanced efforts that we made and the results that we're getting. i think this task force is really focused on the challenge and the way ahead. >> the human trafficking report issued every year by the department of state and also over at the white house, the president's task force looking at this issue. the secretary of state making her comments earlier today in washington. we will continue the conversation tomorrow morning on the washington journal. david ignatius will talk about the situation in afghanistan and also the one-year anniversary of

the uprising in syria and the u.s. government's response to what is happening in iran. the washington journal is heard live every day on c-span radio and television at 7:00 a.m. eastern time and 4:00 in the west coast. thanks for being with us on this thursday. i hope you enjoy the rest of your evening. coming up here on c-span 3, navy secretary ray mabus testifies on the naval budget request. then kathleen sebelius. then after that, senator tom coburn speaks at a forum about the future of medicare. then former national security

advisers discuss how u.s. policy in the middle east has changed. our system is fundamentally undemocratic in a number of ways. one of the ways is closed primaries. in half the states in the country, 40% of all the voters can't participate in the primaries. so, they have no say in who gets nominated. and as a result, we get more and more extreme candidates on both ends. >> saturday night on after words, linda killian writes that independent voters have decided the election since world war ii. also this weekend on book tv, david brock talks about "the fox effect." and sunday night at 10:00, mark levin and his thoughts on the current state of politics in

"ameritopia." book tv every weekend on c-span 2. this senate arms services committee heard testimony thursday on the president's 2013 navy budget. navy secretary ray mabus was joined by the chief of naval operations at the hearing. the navy budget request is for $155.9 billion. a decrease of $1.4 billion from last year. this is just under three hours. >> good morning, everybody. we want to welcome secretary mabus and admiral and general to the committee this morning to testify on the plans and programs of the department of the navy and our review of the fiscal year 2013 annual budget and overseas contingency

operations request. we greet admiral as he makes his first appearance before the committee as chief of naval operations. we want to wish general amos good health as he returns from the flight surgeon. you look terrific. you really do. we all know about what you have come through with flying colors. we greet you. we are delighted you are here and looking so fit. we are grateful to each of you for your service to our nation and for the valorous and the service to the men and women with whom you serve. we are very grateful, also, to their families, knowing the vital role that families play in the success of careers and missions of our armed forces. two recent changes make the

defense budget challenging in particular. first is the budget control act passed by congress last summer which places limitations on funding for our national security. secondly, adapting to its changing role in the new strategic guidance announced by the president last january. each of our services has that challenge. the defense department's most recent guidance issued in january refocuses the u.s. military on the asia pacific and consistent with the strategy, the defense department is working to realign the u.s. military forces in south korea and japan and also plans to position navy and marine corps forces further to the south in countries like australia, singapore and possibly others. as we rebalance and realign our presence in the asia pacific, it is important we not only get strategy right, but also get

sustainability right. this is particularly true for the marine corps. with respect to the relialignme to the marines on okinawa, we present goals to the u.s. military posture in the region and accounting for the physical and diplomatic realities together with the sustainability with the long-term realities. last year, they announced they intend to amend the plan. including the de-linking of the marines off okinawa and the replacement facility and adjusting the unit composition and the number of marines that wi as the details of the changes are finalized, it is important that any changes be jointlywith japan with the goal of achieving

a more viable and sustainable u.s. presence in japan and on guam. as we discussed the budget issues here at home, our thoughts we all deeply regret the tragic loss of civilian life in afghanistan, apparently caused by one of our soldiers last week. the investigation into the incident needs to go forward expeditiously and transparently with the due process that is one of the core values that we hold dear as americans.

we should not lose sight of the fact that our goals remain clear to train indigenous afghan forces and provide security to the afghan people and support them while they get larger and stronger and more capable. the taliban's goals are just as clear. they regularly engage in terrorist acts against afghan civilians in an attempt to achieve their political aim. we should not let one tragic incident which violates our laws and values to muddy the difference between the taliban and the rest of the world. last year, we saw how naval forces could support national goals on short notice in libya. among those forces that we had one missile launching that struck libya and unmanned

vehicles providing reconnaissance support. navy and marine corps forces aiding in the japanese tsunami relief effort. in our visit to japan, the people, still stunned, were most grateful to the united states for the assistance that we provided. the use and the possible use of our forces overseas makes it more important that our budget provide for their success and their well being. our witnesses this morning are faced with a number of large challenges that confront the department of the navy in the budget, such as balances modernization needs and balances the costs of ongoing operations. we will face a number of attentions with the dod request. making reductions in the ship building plan and retiring ships earlier than planned. the result is the fleet will not grow to the previously stated goal of 313 ships, but fall from

its current level of 288 and return to the level of 288 at the end of the fiscal year. the navy made progress from the low of 274 ships in march of 2007, but that progress would be suspended with this budget. another challenge retiring seven cruisers earlier than planned rather than modernizing them. replacing the ohio plan by two years, although the navy testified that we need to attai our patrol requirements. some other challenges are reducing the end strength of the active component of the marine corps from 202,000 beginning this year to 182,000 by the end

of fy '16 and modernizing the amphibious fleet and the carrier that would replace the fighting vehicle canceled last year. in this authorization request, we are being asked to commit future congresss to programs, including virginia class submarine and the early class destroyers and the tactical lift aircraft. if we approve these proposals, we will be monitoring these very closely to ensure that the department actually achieves the proposed savings and gets costs under control in other acquisition programs. the future strength of the navy depends on holding firm on its cost-reduction efforts and

expanding them across the acquisition portfolio. the weapons system reform act of 2009 requires that the defense department make significant changes in its regulations and procedures governing the acquisition system. while the legislation should help correct past problems, i also know that we will succeed only through concerted efforts within the executive branch to implement that legislation. i look forward to hearing how the department of the navy is proceeding to implement the provisions of that act. in addition to concern about future ship force levels and naval aviation is under pressure. they are conducting a service life program on some 115 fa-aircraft in the budget. they will buy additional fa-aircraft that was in the budget before, but they would

buy fewer f-35 joint strike fighter aircraft than we planned at this time last year. on that point, we saw secretary panetta, remove the f-35 b short takeoff from a probationary status. senator mccain and i questioned that action, particularly since the fixes to the actions that caused secretary gates to put f-35 on probation in the first place have not completed testing. when we asked the secretary about this, the answer was in effect, that the f-35 b has made progress in testing and is in no worse shape than the other f-35 b varioancevariance. we are pleased it improved performance in the past year, but it seems it is too early to declare any victories. i want to commend the secretary

for fully funding this year's ship depot maintenance account. our submarine fleet has benefitted from 100% requirement for many years. and necessarily so. it is note worthy to say the service fleet will receive similar treatment in the fiscal year 2013 budget. the readiness of the navy fleet is an essential element to the national security. i believe a maintenance requirement is our best chance of ensuring our fleet reaches the expected service life and as much of an advance that is and we commend the navy for it, there is still a backlog of depot maintenance that remains. with the depot maintenance at 94% of the requirement, which

understanding is we face a $160 million backlog of aircraft and $217 million backlog for ship maintenance. we would be interested in hearing from the witnesses how the navy plans to address and to fund the backlogs to might great risk across the fleet. finally, i want to comment you secretary mabus, for your efforts to lead the department and making energy efficiency and self reliance a private. you have correctly placed a strong emphasis on an area whereas strong as our military forces may be, we remain subject to the tierny of energy supply. we thank you for your commitment to the sustainable and stronger navy. mr. mccain. >> i thank you in welcoming the budget request for fiscal year 2013 for the department of the navy. i know i speak for all members of our committee when i praise the men and women who serve in

the united states navy and marines for their outstanding and dedicated service and sacrifice. while recruiting and retention in the navy and marine corps remains strong, we should carefully consider plans for 15,100 fewer members in the navy and 20,000 fewer marines as the department is proposing under its budget plan covering the next five years. the administration is proposing a reduced defense budget at a time when the challenges to our security are argueably more daunting than anytime in recent memory, particularly the pacific command area is apparently a maritime theater and our production will continue to depend on the united states navy and marine corps. the navy remains short of its

goal of 313 ships and its proposes under its current budget request to provide seven eg class cruisers placing reduced operating status two amphibious ships to the marine corps and cuts without compensation for them puts our goals in the asia pacific region at greater risk. first on the f-35 joint strike fighter program. about 50% of the work needed to build all 32 jets under the fourth lot of early production aircraft is completed. including the cost of design changes driven by discoveries. the total cost of finishing lot four is estimated at $500 million over the target cost. the high likelihood that

currency costs which was strongly objected to by this committee and me in particular at the time that it was decided upon, although stoutly defended by the navy and marine corps at the time. those costs will continue to grow now acknowledged by the head of acquisition and the pentagon malpractice. the high likelihood that these costs will continue to grow preventing future cost growth in the f-35 program is imperative. because of delays in the program, the navy has decided to buy more fa-18 and the marine buying more aircraft for spare parts. the air force is investing f-16s to fill f-35 deliveries. i would be interested again to

hear from the witnesses as to how we can make some progress in bringing these costs under control. the cost of acquisition of the "uss gerald ford" has grown in overcosts of $1 billion. i would be curious, mr. secretary, what you have been doing on your watch, to bring those costs under control. bringing the total cost of the carrier over $12 billion. and at least $500 million over the legislative cost cap. we have a legislative cost cap. the likelihood of future growth is high. i expect the navy will soon ask for legislative relief from the cost cap. before i'll support such a request, i need to understand why the navy has been unable to

control costs on this program. i'm also reluctant to support additional funding for the second carrier, cv-79, until the navy gets costs under control. there are many other programs that are under stress and duress and are subject to cost overruns. i won't take the time in the committee at this time to go over things like the literal combat ship, the ohio class replacements submarines, et cetera. i would like the witnesses to elaborate on the combat vehicle, including the amphibious vehicle and the joint tactical vehicle and the marine personnel carrier. how does the marior to carry this with the budget constraints in the way that maintains operational abilities and readiness? secretary mabus, i understand

your plan is to treat the national security issue. even with the threat of sequestration the navy has pledged $100 million with the share of the $510 million to create a bio-fuel market. you directed the department to consume one gig watt of energy to power naval installations across the country. using new dollars for the new technology is not the navy's ability. nor is it the ability to justify such expenditures. i hope you address this in your comments, including where you got the authorization to spend this money on energy. finally the committee will carefully consider the three multi-year proposals including with the budget submission to be

approved, the proposals must meet the criteria in law, including the substantive savings considered 10% in stability and design. i thank you, mr. chairman. >> thank you, senator mccain. mr. secretary. >> thank you, mr. chairman. chairman levin and ranking member mccain and members of the committee, i want to start by thanking you all the for the support that you give to our sailors, marines and civilians and their families in the department of the navy and ensuring that they get what they need to do their mission. the pride that general amos and admiral green and i take in leading these dedicated sailors and marines and civilians of the

department who selflessly serve the united states only to the accomplishments of the brave and completely selfless individuals. whatever is asked of them by the american people, through their commander in chief, from afghanistan to libya, from assisting the stricken people of japan and ensuring open sea lanes around the world and bringing osama bin laden to justice and bringing hostages out of hiding, they answer the call and they get the job done. just so you know, the commandant and i are confident that the navy and marine corps are well to prepare the defense strategy and maintain the status as the most formidable force the world has ever known. no one should ever doubt the ability, capability or superiority of the navy or marine corps team. as we reposition after too long

grounds wars, it was essential to review our basic strategic posture. the new guidance developed under the leadership of the president and the secretary of defense with the full involvement of every secretary and service chief, responds to changes in global security. the budget presented to implement this strategy, which was arrived at through full collaboration ensures the navy and marine corps can bring forward the strategy with the budget control act passed by congress. this new strategy has a focus on the pacific and arabian gulf region while maintaining partnerships and using innovative and low cost light footprint engagement. it requires a navy/marine corps team that is ready for anything.

on land, in the air, in the ocean or seas and operate forward to protect american interests and respond to crises and to deter and, if necessary, the impact of these two ground cars in the last two decades in the navy fleet and force is unmistakable. as you pointed out, mr. chairman, the fleet that stood at 316 ships and end strength of 377,000 sailors on 9/11/2001, dropped to 283 ships and close to 287,000 a few years later. this made it a priority to rebuild our fleet. despite the budget constraints with the budget control act, our plan ensures we will have no fewer ships at the end of the five-year cycle than today. the fleet of 2017 will include

more, more capable ships equipped with state of the art technology and manned with highly-skilled people. all they we are presents one five-year budget plan, this is not a one fy issue. as the strategy states, we are building the force for 2020. in the years beyond the current fy, we have the ability to ensure the capacity matches missions. our plans will cross the threshold of ships to 2019. we will meet the strategy and maintain the industrial base we need. the marine corps will return to its maritime roots and return to the role of the nation's force of readiness. our marines will retain the lessons of a decade of hard and effective fighting in

afghanistan as they transition back to the middle weight amphibious force. optimize in rapid crisis response. we will work from 282,000 to 181,000 by the end of fiscal year 2016. this restructured marine corps developed under a plan, arrived at after a year and a half of very careful study will be smaller, but it will be fast, it will be agile and it will be lethal. the number of marines in critical forces jobs like special forces will be increased and unit manning levels and readiness will go up. both the navy and marine corps with