"the Strategic Framework and Status of Forces Agreement symbolized a major step toward Iraq assuming full responsibility for its security."
"It is imperative that we support our forward-deployed forces engaged in current operations but we must not overlook other important developments in the international system."
"You have really increased my confidence in SEC and in our country's financial community."
"I hope that you know that we will be supporting you in your efforts to make this Agency all it can be to support the veterans that served this country so very, very well."
"Every organization needs an unquestioned leader and I am anxious to have you assume that role at VA as soon as feasible."
"As upsetting as such mistakes are, the public's trust in VA comes from its willingness to disclose those errors."
"America's veterans deserve a truthful advocate who will break through the red tape and make veterans, not the bottom line, the priority of VA management."
"His honest assessment that more troops would be needed cost him his job, but it is the surest measure of his fitness to serve as a cabinet member."
"I stand ready to work with you to make that happen with as much energy, honesty, and transparency as I can."
"Change is not going to happen overnight."
"I applaud your commitment to achieve that goal responsibly, as well."
"There must be trust and confidence in VA if it is to serve the veterans effectively."
"I would urge you to be very imaginative as you enter into this role as to how we communicate, again, not just with veterans but with veterans' families who are absolutely crucial in every case to the ..."
"I have a high expectation of what 'seamless transition' means."
"As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management and the Federal Workforce of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I am committed to making far greater use of..."
"Thank you, and for the record, can you please report back to the Committee with a preliminary plan of action within 60 days?"
"The only way we can do in America what we do is because you all have done what you all did--protecting us and this country and giving us this quality-of-life."
"I want to say aloha and welcome to you, Ms. Duckworth."
