I think that is a very important point, and on jointness, which the Senator from Louisiana has focused on...

By the way, I support the 30,000 totally.

my goal is just to make sure that we do try as hard as we can to keep the 95 percent rate or something as close to that as possible.

Are you really looking at that?

In past Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) rounds our Guard and Reserve forces have not been treated as well.

I would hope that you might look at an enduring base which would be Dyess as a possible recipient of some the C-17s.

I do want that to be available to every family, every military family, every base where you are going to make it a priority, and we will work to lift that cap.

do you think you're going to need that money or all of that money in this year's budget?

Yes, well, Carswell is a great example and that's a different priority.

The impact on local school districts is an issue that we also have to keep in mind.

I'm encouraged that the funding request for the National Guard and Reserve components, at $620 million, is a rise considerably from last year's request.

The budget request for BRAC is $246 million.

I am confident that under your guidance, this agency is in good hands to address the challenges facing the Nation.

As a member of this committee, I have been privileged to visit with our soldiers who are fighting to free Iraqis...

Knowing how the Army is successfully confronting an adversary which does not wage open battle against the United States...

I agree with what you have said. We do have boots on the ground in two very dangerous places...

I agree with what you have said. We do have boots on the ground in two very dangerous places...

These same soldiers are proudly working to create an environment where people no longer fear the government...