Thank each and every one of you for your comments, and I look forward to working closely with you.

In our meeting with President Karzai last week, he emphasized the importance of defining the mission in Afghanistan and to work with Pakistan on the other side of the border.

Thank you so much for your commitment to our country, to our military, to the men and women serving in the military, and, in particular, to their families, too.

I was just wondering, what steps can we take in working with the Mexican Government and security officials to curb the flow of cash and these assault rifles across the border?

Transnational terrorism, I think, is among the most important threats that the United States must be capable of combating and deterring.

Beyond housing, there is nothing more important than education in the minds of the family support groups at home.

I think that there will be such a large number of children going to the schools in the community also, that a lot of attention needs to be addressed to that issue.

I agree with Governor Mabus that this is an extremely high priority for the Department.

I truly hope to be able to provide the support and advocacy that the many North Carolina men and women in our Armed Forces deserve.

The people of North Carolina are very pleased about the results of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission.

I look forward in the 111th Congress--to us working together to improve the lives of our Nation's veterans and their families.

I cannot think of a better person to look after our 25 million-plus veterans than this true American hero.

I believe that you will find GEN Shinseki to be exactly the kind of tough, innovative and insightful Secretary that the Department of Veterans Affairs needs at this extremely critical time.

We have a lot of good people and a lot of good ideas, but we consistently try to stuff it into the old framework of something that is antiquated and has proven time and time again will not allow innovation and creativity because it has no…

You have a huge challenge, and I think you will find all Members of this Committee more than willing to help remove any impediments that you might find because I believe the solution is in an architecture that we have yet to create.

I am grateful that President Obama has put his faith in Major Duckworth's candidacy.

The position you seek is one of the most important roles in ensuring that veterans and their families are being well served by the VA.

And it disturbs me when the Secretary seeks an extension of time because we are forcing a veteran then to drag out the conclusion of their appeal.