In my judgment, the costs and risks of continuing down the current path outweigh the potential benefits that might be achieved.

Richard Lugar is calling for a major change of course in Iraq. He says the so-called surge is destined to fail.

Let's wake up to reality and get ready for that. Let's not get into a precipitous withdrawal come September, October.

It's time to just drop the idea of the United States making sure that there is a pluralistic, multiethnic democracy in Iraq.

A course change should happen now. While there is still some possibility of constructing a sustainable, bipartisan strategy in Iraq.

In my judgment, the costs and risks continuing down the current path outweigh the potential benefits that might be achieved. Persisting indefinitely with the surge strategy will delay policy adjustments that have a better chance of…

If the president waits until the presidential election campaign is in full swing, the intensity of confrontation on Iraq is likely to limit the United States' options.

Campaign finance reform? Ha!

People say we’re not fighting for oil. Of course we are.

Well, they lied to the American public.

Who controls the other 15 percent, and are we doing something similar with that 15 percent?

Given your analysis and your review of the situation as it currently stands, if most of the sectors right now would give themselves maybe a three on a scale of five, if we were to have this same hearing a year from now, would they come in…

I think it was both you and Ms. Larence testified that the private sector controls about 85 percent of the critical infrastructure in this country.

Should there be, and if so, how do we structure that?

I think earmarks are overrated. You know, whether I get a little money for a museum or a sidewalk, I think my constituents would rather have me be a little more fiscally responsible. I think that they want an end to the practice of…

Not at all. One of the things that we have been very clear on is talking about the abuse of earmarks.

I am looking forward to sitting down with this group of four people who are representative of the millions of voices that have been drowned out by the special interests in Washington.

By vetoing funding for stem cell research once again, the President is deferring the hopes of millions of Americans who do not have the time to keep waiting for the cure that may save or extend their lives.