John McCain

The Afghan army enjoys the support of the Afghan people, and they are strong fighters.

I don't see, very frankly, how our side of the aisle, could agree to an authorization bill moving forward where we've substituted $1 billion of badly needed help to finish up our conflict in Iraq.

How do you respond to that, General, again?

The earmark and pork barreling goes on despite the dissatisfaction of the American people.

Though the nature of our commitment to Iraq is changing, that commitment is enduring.

There is no way that the surge could have succeeded without him.

Much of the credit for the amazing turnaround in Iraq has gone to General Petraeus, and that credit is richly deserved.

Considering how high the stakes are in Iraq, it is inconceivable why this committee would arbitrarily slash funding for Iraq's security forces.

The United States has sacrificed so much in Iraq. So many lives have been given and so many resources have been committed, and against all odds, success is within our grasp.

It is absolutely essential that the United States, including the Congress, remain deeply engaged with Iraq during this critical transition.

A critical part of the drawdown of U.S. forces is the interagency transition from DOD lead to the Department of State lead.

The drawdown of U.S. forces is based on our security agreement with the Government of Iraq.

If confirmed, I look forward to working with the National Guard Bureau and others to implement it properly.

It remains important that a robust Federal response be prepared to augment the HRFs.

The proposal calls for the restructuring of one existing brigade-sized element, the elimination of another, and the creation of 10 smaller Homeland Response Forces.

If confirmed, how will you seek to break down the barriers relating to intelligence collection and evaluation between agencies?

Given the role DOD forces would assume in assisting State and local authorities in responding to large-scale incidents, the importance of these varying groups to communicate is vitally important if we are to avoid unnecessary…

I believe our greatest vulnerability remains extremist threats, who are determined and patient.

There are many potential threats to our Homeland, among which I would name five of particular concern.

The 2008 Unified Command Plan recognizes cyberspace as a warfighting domain, and NORTHCOM's mission set crosses all domains in order to defend, protect, and secure the United States and its interests against all threats, including cyber.

Without this authority, these title 10 Federal Reserve Forces, which can be the most capable and closest unit to a disaster, cannot be involuntarily called forward to support a response, ultimately increasing costs and more importantly…

Secretary Gates supports title 10 forces remaining under the Federal chain of command.

I believe the Commander of NORTHCOM should maintain command and control of title 10 forces in a 'direct support' relationship.

I believe the violence associated with drug trafficking in Mexico is a significant security challenge to the United States.

I view with concern the escalating violence along the Southwest border that in many cases is attributable to drug trafficking organizations.