I would think that looking in our view that the current process is adequate and that H.R. 1821 seems to address an important issue of extending an eligibility period.

It is entirely possible, yes, sir. We always, we would hope for an earlier reporting whenever possible.

I have three areas of concern.

The first is the $800 million reduction in the services' recruiting and retention budgets.

In many respects, the military personnel systems today reflect a degree of success that would have been questionable three to five years ago.

We also believe in the right of parents to choose the school, or other educational options, that best fits the needs of their children.

The D.C. Opportunity Scholarship program is a good example. This groundbreaking program has helped thousands of low-income students here in Washington attend the school of their choice.

Education decisions should be left to those who make them best--parents, local school districts, and the states.

Will student debt increase for borrowers of Perkins Loans due to the accrual of interest from the origination of the loan as opposed to current policy when the student graduates?

Boy, sometimes those things are very controversial.

what do we need to do to support families and help them work through problems and hopefully become stronger as a result?

What if we made it income free?

Right. Right, absolutely.

Before we ask for more money, we have to find savings first.

Okay. Good.

It has been a tough 8 years. Our men and women in uniform and their civilian counterparts being deployed overseas and their families have really borne a heavy burden.

I look forward to working with you, Senator Nelson, to get a budget that we can all be proud of.

I have been told Secretary Geren and General Casey acknowledged there was a $2 billion shortfall in terms of paying personnel bills in the Army.