One measure in Washington of how solvable a problem is is the attendance at the hearing, and the higher the attendance the less solvable the problem.

This is not a brawl this morning; this is a serious attempt at understanding a serious problem so we can work together to solve it.

My time is about to expire. One thing, if you have it, I would be interested in the KIA [killed in action] rates for Afghan forces.

Are you concerned that American troops might be under the command of a commander who is in an outfit that isn't at least effective?

What is the main reason for attriting? Why do people leave?

We have had a long history of unfounded and inaccurate optimism on these questions.

I will never fill Mr. Cooper's shoes in any way, shape, or form.

A pivotal aspect of our country's strategy in Afghanistan is for the Afghans to be able to provide their own security.

The gentlewoman's time has expired.

We need to be building a relationship with Russia.

Mr. Ambassador, what would you say professionally is the overall international objective? Is it fear of the United States? Is it apprehension with Communist China?

This is an opportunity for a bipartisan jobs bill at a time when our companies, our farmers, and ranchers are looking for, technology companies are looking for new customers and competing around the world.

I mean, the way I look at it, if European or Israel, you are our only friends, and the rest of it we have to play with China and with Russia to see what those people that are a threat to the entire world, that we have to ask them, which…

I encourage diplomacy rather than invasions.

But it doesn't give us too much encouragement as with China that we have any tools that enforce the violation of the WTO regulations.

At the end of the day, this is a bipartisan jobs bill, and in this economy it is not simply buy American, we have to sell American all throughout the world.

I still get the impression with Russia that they are untrustworthy.

We can only hope that they comply with the WTO.