Their overall consensus was that the trend in Iraq is negative.

I for one have concluded that a greater sense of urgency is in order here on their part or it's just not going to work.

A group of us just returned from Turkey last week and they're very concerned about attacks emanating from the Kurdish parts of northern Iraq.

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.

We cannot let al Qaeda define how most intelligently to pursue our national security interests.

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

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

I appreciate your candor in that regard.

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

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

I think it's important for the American people to get as clear an understanding about the state of affairs in Iraq and Afghanistan as we possibly can.

I share my colleagues' concern that a good man has been put in a very difficult spot.

Ultimately we're going to have to conclude, are they capable of doing this?

I would encourage you to look at that, because if the Turks for domestic political reasons feel that they're forced to take more overt action that could have consequences.

I think many Americans are deeply concerned about asking our brave soldiers, who I know you care deeply about, to sacrifice themselves while a group of Iraqi political leaders get their act together.

You have to be candid and aggressive in telling us what you need.

It is an honor to introduce John Young to the committee today.

I would encourage you to focus on whatever leverage we have.