Examining rotation timelines, as well as clearly defining our objectives and strategy in Afghanistan and Iraq, will be a priority for me.

Our force's current operational tempo and associated readiness levels present a continuing challenge for the Department.

Congress and particularly this committee have consistently resourced every funding request and dedicated billions of dollars specifically for reset.

One disturbing trend which could exacerbate the overall readiness of the Services would be funding cuts to operation and maintenance (O&M) accounts.

As the U.S. military continues to draw down our forces in Iraq, how does the new administration propose to balance the needs of maintaining security in Iraq with its pledge to increase our troop levels in Afghanistan by as many 30,000…

I also believe a strong interagency plan for Afghanistan can help adjust the demand on U.S. forces.

Getting troop levels in Iraq and Afghanistan right is a critically important issue that, if confirmed, I will follow closely.

I believe there is a greater benefit in the Government of Iraq funding and developing its forces in order to assume greater responsibility for its own security and stability.

the United Nations is an imperfect but indispensable institution for advancing America's security.

I believe Dr. Susan Rice is uniquely qualified to do exactly that.

our goal must be to make the United Nations a more effective mechanism to work with other nations to advance our interests in combating common threats.

in these difficult times for our Nation, we can be reassured that you are providing foreign policy leadership to our country.