our disengagement should be based upon conditions on the ground and not arbitrary dates in a calendar.

Throughout its history, the Aging Committee has spurred Congress to take action on issues important to older Americans through our hearings, investigations, and reports.

I appreciate your willingness to take this on, and I do hope you will view this as an extraordinary opportunity.

This may be a moment in time where the stars are literally aligned, starting with the chairman of this committee...

I hope that you will be a real irritant on this subject.

They have to realize that this has to be their fight.

I am gravely concerned that we will miss an opportunity to preserve what we have gained in Afghanistan.

Today, I want to reiterate that we cannot shy away from holding these perpetrators accountable for their actions.

I share that position [to support additional arms to Ukraine].

It is my great pleasure to call to order the very first hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Aging in the 114th Congress.

I don't see how any American can be satisfied with the general level of defense spending among our European allies. I think it should be higher.

Senator Bill Nelson, the former Committee chairman, has also chosen to remain a member of this Committee and he will continue to share his expertise with us.

I think there has to be a sense of urgency. We are if not directly at war, we are certainly close to war footing on a number of fronts.

I am delighted that my good friend and colleague, Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri, will serve as the Committee's Ranking Member.

If Senator Inhofe was here, he would tell you that currently it takes 23 years to get a new airframe from conception to the tarmac and into flight. That is unacceptable.

I hope you'll remember this moment and, even if it's the President of the United States, say, 'Mr. President, I have to respectfully disagree.'

A fundamental difference in the military system than in the private sector is that in the military system, you have to grow your talent.

But I think this is important. The way I read the math, you are not reducing their benefits.