I think it will incentivize a lot greater participation by the private sector in expanding synthetic fuel production, if we have that type of multi-year procurement authority.

I can't think of individuals who are better equipped to serve in the posts for which you're here this morning.

If you talk to troops or commanders, it continually comes up, and it really does undermine and hamstring our ability to be effective.

I also want to associate myself with the remarks that were made by Senator Lieberman earlier.

The success of the financial service transformation effort would increase efficiency and yield significant savings.

I want to see us succeed in Afghanistan and be able to put together a strategy that would allow that to happen.

That's why those goals I hope become reality in terms of the Air Force being able to transition to fuels that are sourced domestically.

The Air Force is the largest purchaser of aviation fuels. Tremendous cost.

I have a deep and abiding interest in assisting the Air Force in completing this initiative to expand the Powder River Complex.

The 2006 QDR stated the Department plans to develop a new land base penetrating long-range strike capability that would be fielded by 2018.

I want to thank our nominees for their willingness to serve their country, and many of you have had careers in public service.

The RAND Corporation recently issued a study that estimates that synthetic fuel would reduce the U.S.'s reliance on foreign oil by as much as 15 percent, while possibly generating up to $60 billion in domestic revenue each year.

In your view, will the next-generation bomber be vital to our national defense strategy?

the Senate has passed a resolution by a vote of 94 to 3 that Guantanamo detainees, including senior members of al Qaeda, should not be transferred stateside into facilities in American communities and neighborhoods.

it appears that President Obama has no intention to continue with plans to field a third ballistic missile defense site in Eastern Europe.

He reached these decisions after consultations with the President, and with the military and civilian leadership of the Department of Defense.

Secretary Gates' most recent budget decisions were informed policy decisions.

As future policy advisors to the Secretary, I would like to get your opinions on whether or not these most recent budget decisions were indeed informed policy decisions.