Now is the time to set politics aside for the sake of the one issue that we can all agree on is nonnegotiable to the future health and success of our Nation--our national defense.

We are convinced that it would result in hollowing out the force and inflicting severe damage to our national defense.

I understand that, and that does have some impact.

I believe, as the President has stated, that we have to have an enduring presence in Afghanistan.

I agree, General Dempsey, with what you said. I don't see a pivot here. I think we've always been there, we've always needed to be there.

I believe that we need more effective measures for enforcement to counter that approach, because it will undermine your best efforts.

This can't just fall on the backs of defense. Other areas have to be considered if we're going to be able to effectively reduce the deficit.

This is why Congress must do everything possible to make sure that we avoid sequestration.

Let me be clear. You can't take a half a trillion dollars out of the defense budget and not incur additional risks.

Absolutely no decisions have been made along this line.

when the enemy thinks you're leaving, it's very unlikely in my study of history that they're ready to make an agreement

I think we can do it under the plan we've presented, but it clearly is an additional risk.

During the 8 years of President Bush, and these are the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) figures, it was right at $2 trillion. This President in his budget that he's proposed is $5.3 trillion in just 4 years.

I'm glad to hear that. I appreciate that.

One of the commands that doesn't get a lot of attention is U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and we remember that was divided into three commands.

is supportive of the bipartisan legislation being introduced by Senators Lieberman and Collins

is supportive of the bipartisan legislation being introduced by Senators Lieberman and Collins

What advice, what recommendation, do you have as to how the U.S. Government should be handling this very, very tough situation?