.

>> i believe that one of the roles of the service chief is to

be visibly evolved -- visibly involved. if confirmed, i will be. i believe left to be concerned with disciplined. anything that affects cost has to get visibility on the program level. as to trade said the end up with good intent. finally, i do believe costs has to be a key performance program. it has to be that way. we do not have the luxury. we have in the past. we cannot expand 33% -- unacceptable. >> we talked about the budget pressures. i appreciate your personal commitment to that.

but also say competition. when major fresh perspective to be able to help on that. we are eating our seed corn if we do that. i appreciate your comments yesterday. i think ultimately our advantage is going to be because of this. we are enjoying now from investments remain 10 years ago. we think that is an incredible resource.

>> i toss to a number of folks in the lab there. there are terrifyingly smart. they're very committed to this activity. i am a believer that my responsibility is to shape the future. in cooperation with all the agencies that support us. one of the ways to do that is by investing in the future. the that is what science and technology investment is. i think we have to continue to invest in the region. that is investment and the people side. it is an opportunity for our air force to send young officers to our program.

they are trained specifically to improved capability for our nation in that area. i think they're both essential parts of the plan going forward. i'll be a very big supporter. >> thank you again. we look forward to your confirmation. i just have one quick observation to make. thank you for your service and sacrifice. you're taking on an incredibly important task. this and your interaction with senator mccain earlier, i could not agree more. i do think that is where we are going to get the most progress. have you had the opportunity to sit down with one of your predecessors, something i am confident of.

hours closely with him on a number of pieces of legislation. he became a true believer on the demand side. >> i had not yet, i had about that. >> he is an army guy. not a marine. i think you guys would have a lot to share. i wish to the best of luck. this terrier situation -- this deteriorating situation in south america is heartbreaking. this is devastating to those countries and those communities and families. best of luck to all three of you gentlemen. >> thank you for your emphasis

on the demand side of this drug problem. senator mccain, as well. i think it is an important element to get in this discussion. >> thank you, mr. chairman. i want to thank all of the tour here today. the of incredible records of service to our country and, of course, if your families. yesterday i had the chance to do the panel on the issue of sequestration. this was not early focus of the overall impact.

he was concerned about us breaking face with our marines. can you tell us, if we don't address sequestration pretty quickly around here, what are we doing to the morale of our troops? i guess, i would start with you, general kelly. because we talk a lot of the weapon system and everything else, but we're talking about are men and women in uniform who have shown such great courage and shown sacrificed to this country. can you give us some insight on that morale issue? >> chris dodd, i would never disagree with the sergeant or any other marine sergeant major. i agree with him.

i believe it would be breaking faith. i think one of the things, there is a great deal get in the minds of the family and what is going on in the military. if you listen to them and get out and about, as i do, the thing that they are confused about, are concerned about, is the uncertainty. from their perspective, we have massive budget cuts. force reductions. we stop a war going on. i don't think anyone in the room would disagree that it is a very dangerous room. if you put all that uncertainty into a blender, so to speak, and mixup, that is where it begins.

uncertainty causes people to say, time to go. i don't know file of a job next week or next month. i believe the nation has made a commitment to the servicemen and women who serve and the families. with a commitment to take care of them, not just because we are at war, but perhaps such reinforces the commitment. it is a tough row to hoe as a military family spouse member. we owe it to them. >> thank you >> senator, the men and women have been deploying in support of contingency operations, along with their servicemen's, for last 22 years now. what they are looking for right

now is stability. stability does not mean nothing changes. it means a plan we can execute. they're good at that. this one to get to work permit. >> senator, to get chance to go down to fort carson and visit with the unit's the departing or turning home, when you look at the eyes of the young families with children and the spouses there, and the husbands and their fifth or sixth or seventh of deployment, they wonder what it is for the future. should a stay in his career filled? we hear that. i think there is another part of this, which is maintaining those people who want to be leaders in the future. >> let me follow up with you. the general has testified that

what sequestration, as the estimated, would mean for our army is an additional 100,000 reduction in forces for our army on top of the already roughly 72,000 reductions that were already making. he told us that 50% of those would come from the guard and reserve. what does it mean? >> i've not had a chance to study those figures. as you know, every day, there is 7000 guardsmen deployed overseas. if release capability, we want to take a serious look whether we can continue to do the jobs. >> those jobs include important function to our governors and responded to national disasters as well, don't they?

>> yes, they do. >> absolutely. >> it is my hope, that on a bipartisan basis, we will put aside the politics to get this resolved on behalf of all boatmen and where and who served under you. in addition, i would like to follow up on another line of questioning. one of the issues i have been concerned about, here we are talking about sequestration. in order for us to make good decisions that come to the department of defense, this audit issue has been very important. i certainly appreciate what secretary panetta has said about making sure we meet resources by 2013.

i know others on this committee have been very focused on this issue. a i understand that the air force has had some of the greatest difficulties. will the air force and the deadline to complete a full statement of budgetary resources? and how important we make this issue? >> my honest answer is, i do not know. the biggest limiting factor we have our systems that share data. is not delivered until after 2014. it is causing this to be done manually, which is not the ideal way to do it. although it down to the squadron level. i have met with my wing commanders in europe three times of the last four months.

clearly, this will have to be a focus area if i am confirmed. we will do everything we can to make that deadline. i is to not know the answers yet. >> i appreciate your testimony. we have to be able to look the american people in the in and tell them that their taxpayer dollars were spent wisely -- in the eye me and tell them that their taxpayer dollars were spent wisely. i know it is of great importance to make sure. my time is up. on a final vote, today russia and china vetoed the u.n. security council resolution that would have opposed sanctions on the assad bridge in in syria.

it is outrageous. he said we still live in a very dangerous world. we know that china is continuing to invest in its military. our relationship with russia has changed. we need to make sure that we have a strong military. otherwise, other countries around the world will fill the can run all over us. again, another reason to address sequestration. >> thank you. >> thank you, mr. chairman. thank you all for your service. particularly, your family. which i know you have said very movingly and powerful way has been injured goal to the work you have done for our nation. general kelly, thank you for your family. a power like to ask you, if i

may, about the nc12. also, to our national guards. but the national guard is expected to receive nine to 11. what is your assessment of the future role in drug intermission? does it have a role? how affective will it be? what have a role in the international guard? >> i can speak to plot farms like. it is an economy of force command. the kind of things that go on

are things that are unique probably to this theater. anything that can help us get our arms around the of illicit drugs, as well as tracking, anything that we can do to help them provide intelligence and insight would help them immeasurably. we do not want to fight their war for them on the ground. what did you really like is a way to get into the networks as no one but united states military can do. >> thank you.

>> senator, all intelligence surveillance today are very heavily committed, no doubt. the future will demand more. i'm committed to continue to work with the air force to take a look at the sourcing and stationing of those forces. >> i appreciate that interest. i believe very strongly that it had the kind of role you described. i appreciate your commitment to keeping strong and strengthening the international guard. as you know, and in the two wars that we fought, it has been a profoundly significant force for

our military readiness and effectiveness in those teachers. i thank you for that commitment. i would like to raise it to an issue that think we have discussed a little bit. i think it is very important to all of our veterans. the issue of making sure they have employment when they come home. unemployment rates among the recently returned of veterans are significantly higher than the general population, which i think is unacceptable. we owe them better. we must do better for them. i am particularly troubled by the allegations i have seen.

there's possible discrimination against them that may occur in the job market place because they may be deployed. because they're not available when the guard and nation needs them as well. i do not know whether you have any comments about that issue. i would welcome any comments that you do have. the employer program is an astounding program. i would take a look at what are the base heard of the problem, both from an employer perspective as well as an employee perspective. and then i will give best practices across the nation. look at some of the statistics of what programs worked best. and then build a plan to work for word.

>> i cannot speak for my colleagues here today or generally, you'll find support for programs that provide counseling, education. i think there'll be a lot of support for it because, as will also discuss, i think our guard and reserves will be playing an increasingly important roles for our soldiers. thank you for your commitment on that. you mentioned the possibility on the issue of sexual assaults for, perhaps, better screening and assessment at the front end of people going into our military.

hours to can expand on that thought? >> i was a new enough about the available pools. we of not successfully taken of that peace yet. if we can stop the crime, everything else becomes easier. i know there is work in the social sciences to look it screening tools. we certainly should be looking into that. i hope somebody is. we just do not know that they are. we took the other things in that pre-crime phrase if you will. anything that can be seen as a screening force, a deterrent force, or the ability to respond

rapidly or as publicly as possible may help identify or suppress the people that can commit this crime. i do, however, believe that there are a certain number of prisoners everywhere. not just in the military, but we have them. if we can target that the front, some of the most horrible incidents will be eliminated before they occur. these are like our children that we're being given the privilege to command. any time this happens, is horrible and we're not doing enough to stop it. >> i'm very sympathetic to the answer. park to kill it, and the prevention and the deterrence. also, has been very interested in the possibility for enhanced advocacy for victims. so that they feel more welcome

as a party prosecution process, which will enhance their willingness to come forward and cooperate. my time has, unfortunately, expired. but i welcome the opportunity to pursue this issue with you. thank you very much. thank you every one of your families again for your extraordinary service and sacrifice. >> thank you. >> let me echo the sentiments of my colleague. taking you in your family for your great commitment and service to our country. dod and specifically the air force has a robust capability. it is finally -- it is of vital we retain a capability to ensure the response to a significant military operations and emergencies is there. the ability to conduct some of this work also provides a

negotiating power for the government. it allows dod and the taxpayer to have competitive prices. if confirmed, what is your vision for logistics' with a mere force? >> thank you, senator. if confirmed, i would pursue exactly that course. i believe it is an organic capability that we must maintain for any number of reasons. to cost and efficient operations and the actual execution of the work and cost savings. my personal opinion is that this is a good thing for our air force and we should continue to focus on it. >> you and i have come a long way over the last couple of decades. when eaten a how proud i am of you and your service to our country. thank you in particular to you.

a moving target indicators, as was biometrics. if confirmed, how do you plan to prioritize and acquire these assets? t foresee any additional requirements for assistance to you will need? make asnfirmed, i'll much noise as i possibly can. certainly, within the halls of the pentagon. my current position allows me to

see were almost every isr asset in the world is being utilized. i did say there is not enough going around. there is very important work. my hope is that as the war in afghanistan winds down, and the air force and the men that operate the drones and the higher level isr, as well as aircraft and what not, as they begin to recover from what is an unbelievably demanding day-to- day existence fighting or maintaining isr battle for those over the world. my hopes are that as the can down from the war in afghanistan and as we have in iraq, that some of that isr will be made

available. >> with respect, the chairman and i both serve on that board. i tried to stay active with that group. now you're coming on board there, we look forward to working with you. general, the u.s. i have discussed yesterday. i am disappointed that despite the findings that the air force doesn't have a plan to carry out this mission long-term. there is essentially no money. they do not look carefully at potential options. can i just have your assurance

that upon confirmation he will look into this issue immediately? i know you indicated the have not had the time to study it. i just want to know that you will look at it in the near- term. quite so i absolutely do that. >> another issue that is of significant importance from the standpoint of the budget. tough budget times we're in right now, is the issue of multi-year procurements. we had one on f22. we need to be looking at further multi-year procurement opportunities. can you share the thoughts of on the value, particularly with respect to these major weapons systems? >> thank you. i think for a lot to prospective, multi-year per care

when always be the way to go. that, of course, requires a stable investment plan that has to remain realistic despite the turmoil with the budget. i do not know about year-to-year plans. i suspect the decisions that have been made in that regard are due to the question marks surrounding the landscape in future years. but i think, clearly, from my viewpoint, if you can buy a multi-year, it is the best way to go from cost perspective. >> in a similar vein, we know we're going to buy weapons systems in the near-term years. putting advance procurement money in the budget has always seemed the best way to go. we had an issue in the last two

with respect to advance procurement. is there any question in your mind providing for advance procurement funding that we know we're going to buy is not the right direction in which to go? >> i would agree from a cost perspective only is always a good way to go. >> unfortunately, my time is up. i'd not want to cite you in the least. thank you for your service. the 48 the brigade in georgia has been very active. we have had a member who has paid the ultimate sacrifice, but yet the morale is extremely high. we look forward to working with you to make sure that level of competence is there. thank you very much to all of

the. >> thank you, sir. >> thank you senator. >> thank you. my remarks will be shortened by questions will be short because i have to preside over the senate at noon. that is from those areas you cannot be late. i really want to date all of you by your warm comments about your spouses. -- want to thank all of you for your warm comments about your spouses. thank you. in may, they conducted a failed operation. this operation was conducted using state department helicopters by the guatemalan military. this complex arrangement is partly the result of to depose the reluctance to modify the

rules of engagement with the helicopters to match the rules of engagement used to support the dea in afghanistan. what are your initial thoughts and you think this type of arrangement is necessary? if confirmed, we review the rules of engagement for helicopters? >> certainly, if confirmed, i will take a look -- a hard look at this issue.

it is some specific command lines. certainly, if there are better ways to do business, to break down barriers and streamline. the authorization to break the rules, if you well, legally. that is something in everyone's interest. we started this journey in iraq and is now afghanistan. there were many procedures in place between the services and the various intelligence agencies that over time it made no sense. we broke those down if confirmed, i'll take a very hard immediate look at that. >> thank you. my last question has to do was cyber security.

we need cyber operators. not just technicians. in your opinion, what is the air force made to recruit, train, cyberncourage it intervention? what needs to be done? i really worry about the availability of another of these cyber, texas killed people coming into our military. >> thank you. there has been great support from the congress. so, thank you for that. i agree with you that this is an area we are trying to grow into our own skin on. togetherhey're putting

the specific requirements. once we clearly identify those, i think we will find that the majority of our people on the people who helped establish the architecture. the infrastructure in which are survivors operates. they to be recorded very carefully and a different skill set. i think that is our first task. making sure we have that organizational cross to clear our minds. and then we focus on finding the right people. >> and we're competing directly with industries on these issues. i think it makes it that much more difficult. thank you very much. >> thank you, senator.

>> all of you did well. i want to share the comments about the way you recognize your family. i think it speaks volumes to you are as individuals. i know a lot of military families have suffered. we appreciate it very much. how would you rate the security on our southern border right now? >> the fact that we have such a drug problem and availability of drugs north of the border tells me an awful lot. >> we're finding tunnels. >> tunnels, and so-called mule trains. >> on a level of a very secure to very insecure, " richard general opinion -- i know you have not had time to study it, in debt. if going into your jaw, what is

your general view? >> it does not seem like it is very secure at all. >> ok. i cannot agree with you more. please think long and hard about what the command can do to make it more secure. do you think is a national security threat? >> it drugs in america? absolutely. >> could these tunnels bring terrorists or countries? >> the kid. >> these mule trains could bring more than just drugs, right? >> absolutely. >> hour to see what our military can do to help the law enforcement. of the national guard front, what does it mean to have, was a need to have that to you and how can you effectively use that position? >> as a member of the joint

chiefs, i definitely have to bring forward the governor's thoughts, concerns, and the mission. i also need to be able to balance that with the mission and deployable forces and give my best military advice to the secretary of defense has lots the joint chiefs. >> could you help referee this problem? >> the nominee here to my right, and i've already had a number of conversations. >> the reason i pushed so hard to have the chairman of the national guard represented is we are so integrated now, i think this whole problem with how you construct a new air force in tough budget times that if you

had been in place longer, it would have helped. the goal is to have a guy like you there, talking to the air force or the army. but it gives you better intel and insight on how this all plays out. i hope you'll take that challenge. >> i agree. as soon as i done board, i will make partnerships quickly. with how youred to to your view of being the next chief of staff. i think he is that a good job during tough times. what is your view of the air force's standing in congress right now? >> i believe there is some concern. i would tell that it is fairly

widespread from the opportunities i had this week. that is not isolated to a particular issue or region. problemthere's a trust that the air force must address and improved. >> say that is not a reflection, but you're intel is good. we want to help you sort of start a new chapter for lack of better word. back home, is that correct? >> that is correct. >> and that is according to change, is it? >> rao would like, before we

vote, if you could give me a general time period. i think what the people are looking for is some kind of time period. it doesn't have to be an exact day or month. which you get with the general and get back with me? >> i would. i do not know his views so find out and get back. >> i would appreciate it if you find out before we vote. but it's been a good airplane. about as old as i am. i needed to know, i think. i think the efforts to get a new trainer keeps moving to the right because you have budget problems. how do you view the need for a new trainer in terms of the priorities of the air force? >> training is absolutely essential the two things we

cannot stop doing is recruiting the right people. >> you think we need a new trainer? >> i think the entire air force. i think this is a discussion that must take place every year. >> and to the committee, to highlight the dilemma here. night-vision goggles is difficult, if not impossible. is that correct? >> that is correct. >> it is very difficult? >> yes, sir. >> that would allow you to be trained for those fighters. is that correct? >> it makes it difficult. >> about the reserve. i think you have given an excellent answer. i'll be the first to say that it will have to take some reduction. everyone else will take

reduction, including the air guard. which is what it to be within means and acceptable ranges. final comment to each of you. do you agree that if the congress does not get a handle on health care costs that are growing exponentially, the you have to make some draconian choices in the future between health care families and the entire force to train and to fight? >> i do, senator. >> solve your on record that the congress needs to address a growing cost of health care and a department of defense budget? i say that fog believe that something has to give here. >> i am, sir. >> thank you. i wish you all well.

>> your returning the flight to its other location. >> i am. senator, you and i the only ones left. i will not ask additional questions are you ok? are you all set? thank you. we thank you your families. your families are there at your side. we cannot tell you how much we admire you and them. we're going to try to get these nominations acted upon as soon as humanly possible. we look forward to your confirmations. again, we thank you. we're grateful to each of you and your families. [captioning performed by national captioning institute] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2012]

>> and join us for discussion and hispanic voters and foreign policy on monday. we'll hear from the cochairs of the latino task force. a group created to conduct policy options to president obama and it romney. the mexico institute and the

pacific council on international party hosts this event. live coverage begins at 9:30 eastern on c-span2. last night, president obama spoke to the press after meeting with the thames of the shooting in aurora, colorado. he is joined by the congressional delegation and the state's governor. >> good afternoon, everybody. i want to begin by just thanking all of the state, local, and federal officials who have responded magnificently to this tragedy. governor hickenlooper, who has already been dealing with a range of natural disasters here in the state, has been an extraordinary example of strength.

the mayor, who has only been on the job for seven months, and obviously has responded with great strength and leadership. the police unit -- we had an opportunity to speak over the phone. the chief has been dealing with as difficult a set of circumstances as any law enforcement officer deals with. he and his officers have done everything right -- by the book, with great courage and determination. so we are very proud of them. i think i speak for the entire congressional delegation, who is here as well. scripture says that he will wipe away every tear from their eyes. death shall be no more.

neither shall there be mourning nor crying, for the former things have passed away. when you have an opportunity to visit with families who have lost their loved ones, as i described to them, i come to them not so much as president as i do as a father and as a husband. i think that the reason stories like this have such an impact on us is because we can all understand what it would be to have somebody that we love taken from us in this fashion -- what it would be like, and how it would impact us. i had a chance to visit with each family. most of the conversation was

filled with memories. it was an opportunity for families to describe how wonderful their brother or their son or daughter was, and the lives of they had touched. the dreams that they held for the future. i confess to them that words are always inadequate in these kinds of situations, but that my main task was to serve as a representative of the entire country and let them know that we are thinking about them at this moment, and will continue to think about them each and every day, and that the -- the awareness that not only all of america, but also much of the world is thinking about them might serve as some comfort. i tried to assure them that, although the perpetrator of this evil act has received a lot of attention over the last couple of days, that attention

will fade away. in the end, after he has felt the full force of our justice system, what will be remembered are the good people who were impacted by this tragedy. i also had a chance to give folks some hugs, to shed some tears, but also to share some laughs as they remembered the wonderful lives that these men and women represented. i also had a chance, fortunately, to visit some folks who will be ok thanks to the extraordinary efforts of staff at this hospital. i want to thank everybody who has worked tirelessly here to deal with this tragedy.

some of the stories are remarkable. you see young people who have come in and just two days ago, 36 hours ago, even 24 hours ago, it was not certain whether they would make it. now, suddenly, their eyes are open. they are alert and they are talking. even in the darkest days, life continues. people are strong. people bounce back. people are resilient. particularly given that so many victims were young, it is a great blessing to see how rapidly they are able to recover from some pretty devastating injuries. there is one particular story i want to tell, because this was the last visit that i had. i think it is representative of

everything that i saw and heard today. i had a chance just now, five minutes ago, to visit with allie young. allie is 19 years old. i also had the chance to visit her best friend, stephanie davies, who is 21. she was downstairs with allie and her parents. i do not think this story has been heard, at least i had not read it yet, but i wanted to share it with you. when the gunman initially came in and threw the canisters, he threw them only a few feet away from allie and stephanie, who were watching the film. allie stood up, seeing that she might need to do something or warn the other people who were

there. she was immediately shot. she was shot in the neck. it punctured a vein and immediately she started spurting blood. apparently, as she dropped down on the floor, stephanie, 21 years old, had the presence of mind to drop down on the ground with her, pull her out of the aisle, place her fingers over where she had been wounded, and apply pressure the entire time while the gunman was still shooting. she told stephanie she needed to run. stephanie refused to go. instead, with her other hand, she called 911 on her cell phone. when the swat team came in, they were still trying to clear

the theater. stephanie, with the help of several others, carries allie across two parking lots to where the ambulance was waiting. timely of stephanie's actions, i just had a conversation with allie downstairs. she is going to be fine. i do not know how many people at any age would have the presence of mind that stephanie did, or the courage that allie showed. as tragic as the circumstances of what we have seen today are, as heartbreaking as it is for the families, it is worth us spending most of our time

reflecting on young americans like allie and stephanie, because they represent what is best in us. they assure us that out of this darkness a brighter day is going to come. to the entire community of aurora, the country is thinking of you. i know that there is going to be a vigil and an opportunity for everybody to come together. i hope that all of those people understand that the entire country will be there in prayer and reflection today. so thank you. god bless you. god bless all who helped to

respond to this tragedy. i hope that, over the next several days, several weeks, several months, we all reflect on how we can do something about some of the senseless violence that ends up marring this country, but also reflect on all the wonderful people who make this the greatest country on earth. thank you very much, everybody. [captioning performed by national captioning institute] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2012] >> after visiting the victims in our road, colorado, the president not to spend the night in san francisco. today he travels to reno, nevada. mitt romney will address the same group on tuesday. after the convention, president obama returns to the bay area

for three campaign events throughout the day. >> watched a book andtv and american historytv as c-span's local content vehicles explore the heritage and culture of louisville, kentucky, home of the louisville slugger and the oldest independent bookstores. >> a lot of the stores i have seen a fail are stores that were opened by people who were interested in having a business. not that they had an attachment to books or love of books. but, you know, there were business people. i think you really have to have a gut attachment to books to care enough about them. your customers are like that. they come because they really care about books. >> watch for booktv and

american history thetv in louisville on c-span 3. >> the 19th annual international aids conference takes place in washington, d.c. this week. our live coverage begins letters it was secretary of state hillary clinton of the national institute of allergy and infectious diseases. john us live at a car 40 eastern on c-span 3. -- >> this week, huffington post senior military correspondent david wood discusses the 10 part series, titled "beyond the battlefield: the war goes on for the severely wounded," which won him the pulitzer prize for battle field reporting. the series can be viewed online. >> what was your first reaction

when told you have won a pulitzer prize? >> i was shocked. i had no idea it would happen. i was proud of what i wrote. the joy i get, and the satisfaction is in the writing. the process of putting it on paper is it. when i heard i had won the prize, i was shocked. i guess i was a little bit numb. it was the unsatisfying all over again. >> is this the first time for a website to win a pulitzer? >> it is the first time for a for-profit website. i believe there was a nonprofit