You have said many times that you do not want to send one more American soldier to Iraq than is necessary to perform the mission.

Are we not asking too much of our National Guard?

I was pleased for your assurances that this is a high priority for you and that you have already in fact issued a directive to ensure that the troops do not go if they are not equipped.

I believe that the men and women of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard warrant greater support from the Navy in modernizing the shipyard's dated facilities.

I am concerned about consolidation trends which have had an adverse impact on competition opportunities for the DOD.

Yes, absolutely--the Army Guard and Reserve will receive the exact same education and training as the Active Force.

the National Guard and Reserves are no longer Strategic Reserves but are instead now Operational Reserves.

I hope to increase awareness and improve care for TBI, PTSD, and other psychological effects of war.

If you are confirmed, will you continue to advocate for a 313-ship fleet?

I believe industry consolidation through mergers or acquisitions can limit the number of competitors and thus the opportunity for competition.

I joined Senator Jack Reed in sending a letter to Secretary Tommy Thompson urging that he do all that he can administratively to optimize the utilization of the existing vaccine.

I want to commend you for holding this hearing to examine the current flu vaccine shortage.

Clearly, Congress must take action to increase and strengthen the nation's supply of flu vaccine.

I joined Senator Jack Reed in sending a letter to Secretary Tommy Thompson urging that he do all that he can administratively to optimize the utilization of the existing vaccine

I want to commend you for holding this hearing to examine the current flu vaccine shortage

Clearly, Congress must take action to increase and strengthen the nation's supply of flu vaccine.

I want to applaud you for your longstanding leadership in spearheading this initiative for major reform.

We needed real reform within the intelligence community to function as a community.