I was disappointed to learn that, but that is the way it is.

The Guard and Reserve I noticed last year was like $1.5 billion. This year it is down to $1 billion.

Thank you, General Craddock, for your service and wish you well.

We are all struggling here with ways to try to get the economy moving again, and we are all looking to the credit markets to make that happen.

think outside the box; don't be limited by lease lines or contractual issues.

How will Special Representative Richard Holbrooke's new mandate coincide with that of General Petraeus?

Under current law, if the surviving spouse of a servicemember is eligible for Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), that annuity is offset by the amount of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) received.

Has President Obama explicitly endorsed the Pentagon's plan to send up to 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan?

Secretary Gates, please describe the risks to the Nation should implementation of the Navy's decision be delayed.

the Navy has expressed the importance of strategic dispersal of capital ships like aircraft carriers

It is important to brief any and all such operations to the full membership of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Secretary Gates, you have publicly stated that a new Afghanistan strategy is a high priority for the Obama administration.

there is significant national security value in establishing an additional east coast CVN support base

Secretary Gates, please provide plans, which Congress can consider, that would eliminate this offset over time.

I just want you to know how much I appreciate your public service to our country.

Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. I want to thank you first for your leadership.

The intention, as stated in the proposal and as our chairwoman just rightly stated, is to create jobs.

investment in transit creates jobs but also saves our region almost $800 million annually in time and fuel.