But, I think, in this instance, what we must do is not limit the opportunity for a dedicated American, regardless of his or her sexual orientation, to serve this country if they want to.

Once a marine, always a marine.

Of course, this is more than likely my last appearance before your great committee, and I just want to commend you, Mr. Chairman, for your wonderful work and the opportunity to be able to serve on this Armed Services Committee.

You're going to have a problem unless you select an African country.

Current risk is anything hindering the political and economic development that is essential for Iraq to become a stable, sovereign, self-reliant nation.

Mr. Watson, what role will you play in the enforcement of a moratorium for DADT, if directed by Congress?

What is your philosophy on the role of the Secretariat within DOD to provide management oversight over policy making and enforcement of standards?

Mr. Watson, during the fiscal year 2011 budget request hearing both Secretary Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mullen voiced their support to conduct a study of how to repeal the current Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) policy.

DOD relies overwhelmingly on commercial electrical power grids for secure, uninterrupted electrical power supplies to support its critical assets and DOD is the single largest consumer of energy in the United States.

The mission in Afghanistan is now in its 8th year and is currently at a very critical stage.

Tonight's vote is not a victory for any one party. It is a victory for them. It is a victory for the American people. And it is a victory for common sense.

So this isn't radical reform, but it is major reform. This legislation will not fix everything that ails our health care system, but it moves us decisively in the right direction. This is what change looks like.

This is paid for and will not add a dime to deficit. It will reduce the deficit.

So this isn't radical reform but it is major reform. This legislation will not fix everything that ails our health care system, but it moves us decisively in the right direction. This is what change looks like.

Tonight's vote is not a victory for any one party, but it's a victory for them, it's a victory for the American people. And it's a victory for common sense.

This is paid for and will not add a dime to the deficit; it will reduce the deficit.

The toughest insurance reforms in history and by the way, when you talk to Republicans and you say well, are you against this? A lot of them will say no, no, that part is ok.

And right now, we are at the point where we are going to do something historic this weekend. That's what this health care vote is all about.