Crossword Puzzle Biting, as criticism

Clue: Biting, as criticism

Only Secretary of Defense to be asked to remain in office by a newly elected President (ROBERTGATES with 11 letters)
Asian temple shader (GINGKO with 6 letters)
Go ashore (e.g. DEBARK with 6 letters)
HAS NEED OF ASPIRIN (ACHES with 5 letters)
Solemn assertions (VOWS with 4 letters)
Offer of assistance (CALLONME with 8 letters)
ASAP in the O.R. (STAT with 4 letters)
Asta's lady (NORA with 4 letters)
Astronomer-turned-architect (WREN with 4 letters)
Asks for catnip (MEOWS with 5 letters)