We just cannot allow this to happen again.

The problem that we face, the dilemma in some of our minds, is that the policy in Iraq has gone terribly wrong.

We need important changes in our great health benefit program. TRICARE, to ensure a superior benefit for the long-term.

The Department is firmly committed to working closely and openly with Congress in order to protect the health of our servicemembers.

I will also ensure that the OIG pursues aggressive oversight of contracting issues.

Promoting efficiency and preventing fraud in defense acquisitions will obviously be a high priority.

My top priority will be to learn what challenges the DOD IG office needs to address and to ensure the adequacy of resources required to accomplish its mission.

Our service men and women, now more than ever, are depending on your leadership to put the military medical system on a new track.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and welcome, General Petraeus.

I have concerns about this policy, but I have every intention of voting for you.

The idea of tens of thousands of American troops in combat in downtown Baghdad, what is your reaction to whether that really helps win the hearts and minds of the people or whether it is perceived as increasing hostility by American…

Obviously, Congress must be involved in any decision to broaden war to Iran.

Finally, Admiral, there was a reference to an earlier question that was about benchmarks and reaching a timeframe for benchmarks.

Some have said, if you have 140,000 troops over there who are not able to gain security, why do you believe an additional 22,000 are likely to gain it?

I think many of us are concerned that we have had surges in the past at Najaf, Fallujah, Baghdad, and after the Samarra temple, and they have not been successful, and there is concern, which I share, about the surge at the present time…

At this point therefore we should assume that they will remain over there until we hear further from you?

the President said, on January 10, that Iran is providing material support for attacks on American troops and that we'd disrupt the attacks, destroy the networks providing weapons and training to our enemies.

Yesterday, the President further raised the temperature by saying if Iran escalates its military actions in Iraq to the detriment of our troops and/or innocent Iraqi people, we'll respond firmly.