I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise to urge support of H.R. 2608, the Continuing Resolution Act of 2012. Frankly, I had hoped not to be here in this particular capacity. I had hoped by this point this year we would…

In closing, Madam Speaker, it's a responsible piece of legislation. We ought to act on it. Frankly, it shouldn't be a partisan football. We can take care of people that need relief fully and expeditiously, we can exercise our…

I personally saw the fruits of that labor during my latest visit to Afghanistan over New Year's Day.

I have thought was a mistake, whether it's this President or past presidents, in making withdrawal dates.

I would just hope that nothing is done that's going to change that successful pattern that has been developed.

I firmly believe we should keep Guantanamo open. I think that it is a top-rate detention facility.

I have yet to have one of them deny that, I talked about, how we cannot allow this mission not to be carried through.

I would hope that you would be looking towards the future in terms of modernization and maintenance.

I think it's a difficult thing to deal with. I have to say this, that during every visit I've made over there the Afghan and coalition personnel unanimously said that setting the dates was a bad idea.

The Iraqi Government must ask for and approve the presence of U.S. forces beyond 2011.

Afghanistan remains one of the epicenters of violent extremism. Progress is being made, but it is fragile and reversible.

If successful, such actions would not only harm the U.S. defense industrial base, but also impede the military strategy and tactics of our Armed Forces and allies in regions where our forces are deployed or our interests are at stake.

The hearing focused on Iraq, conditions on the group post-surge, and status of Iraq meeting specific benchmarks.

What rationale drove the drawdown at the height of fighting season?

Do you believe setting withdrawal dates of July 2012 and December 2014 demonstrate strategic patience and shows U.S. long-term commitment?

Will they be ready by the 2014 timeline that President Karzai has requested?

1,700 Taliban fighters have accepted the offer of reintegration from the Karzai Government.

Can the Afghan Government continue to fund and equip these robust security forces in the future?