U.S. State Attorneys General

I think they should be involved, but on the other hand, should they be basically judge and jury?

Would all of you agree that removing the decision to go forward with either investigation or prosecution should be removed and should go to an independent authority and out of the chain of command?

It seems to me would this not point to the desirability of removing these kinds of decisions from the chain of command so that they would not feel political pressure to prosecute weak cases?

We must move in the right direction. Some of the suggestions that you made were, I think, steps that we should consider seriously.

There are some things, evidently, that we can learn from these other countries.

Our budget focuses on the needs of modern warfare and national defense, simply reducing Pentagon spending to 2006 levels.

I could not agree with you more that we need to continue to make the investments in energy security.

Thank you for your quick action in changing the UCMJ regarding the convening authority's right to overturn decisions.

I hope that means that you will continue to support the efforts to modernize that shipyard so that they can conduct the kind of highly technical work that they do there.

I know that this committee has had numerous hearings on how we can facilitate and ensure that movement of marines happens in a way that is of benefit to both of our countries, not to mention what we need to do regarding Guam.

I think that's a very important strategy--for us to pursue energy, lessening the energy usage in DOD.

Would you say that one of the areas that we need to continue to focus on is the Futenma situation in Okinawa?

Again, I note in your testimony the challenge that you're facing... to process and analyze all the data...

I would welcome your thoughts on the facility as we go forward in these economically constrained times.

If we seek to influence events, we must listen to partner concerns and continue to demonstrate our support through tangible actions.

I completely support the President's declared shift to the Pacific.

Education, I think is the second biggest challenge we have as a country and culture today.

I think it is time we move forward with ESEA reauthorization.

I believe that our teacher evaluation system is an important strategy in improving the quality of public education in Knoxville and across our state.

We all agree No Child Left Behind helped the nation take enormous steps toward a better education system, but we now recognize the law's shortfalls.

Teachers are one of the most influential factors on a student's academic success.

By direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration. The Clerk read the resolution, as follows: H. Res. 64 Resolved, That the following named Members be and are hereby elected to…

For children in rural areas, or whose schools otherwise aren't able to fully support their education needs, virtual schools provide a critical opportunity.

I applaud the state and local education leaders who have embraced digital learning policies, and hope more states and school districts will pursue these options in the near future.