John McCain

We need to keep our objectives realistic and limited in Afghanistan.

The stability of Iraq remains critical to the future of the Middle East, a region that multiple presidents of both political parties have considered vital to the national security of the United States.

Obviously, Afghanistan must be at or near the top of any priority list.

Should the review process be solely under the executive branch, or should it include oversight or appeal to the judicial branch?

Congress responded quickly to the Department's funding requests for armored vehicles in Iraq. MRAPs have saved lives and aided the execution of the surge strategy.

That's a vital ingredient in any comprehensive strategy for success in Afghanistan, a dramatically increased Afghan army.

I can assure you that I am watching Pakistan closely, and that we are working with State, Treasury, and all parts of the government to fashion a comprehensive approach to the challenges there.

As in Iraq, there is no purely military solution in Afghanistan.

I'm pleased with the information that I've been receiving lately about the improvements that have been made both in recruiting and retention in the military.

Convincing our Allies to provide more civilian experts and other resources is a key priority in developing Afghan capabilities to sustain itself in the future.

The United States supports the increased participation of NATO Allies in addressing the narcotics challenge in Afghanistan.

We must honor our responsibility to our Wounded Warriors, their families, and the families of the fallen who have sacrificed everything.

I'm convinced that leaving a larger force in place in the short run will permit us to make greater reductions later.

It's been a privilege to sit on this committee for 8 years and I've always appreciated its bipartisan tradition.

The American people must understand that this is a long, hard slog we're in in Afghanistan.

In all these areas and more, we face enormous and difficult decisions.

Secretary Gates, will they increase deployment time of their troops?

We all owe you a debt of gratitude for your outstanding service and your willingness to continue to serve in one of the most difficult jobs in America.

I'm encouraged by Vice President Biden's pledge that the new administration will not withdraw troops in a manner that will threaten Iraqi security.

I look forward to working with you and all the members of the committee as we begin the 111th Congress.

It's just the old spending practices of liberal Democrats. So I hope we will be able to sit down and negotiate (AUDIO GAP) not vote for the stimulus package as it's been presented.

In a press conference on January 22, 2009, you said that the pursuit of drug labs and drug lords is 'fair game' for U.S. Forces in Afghanistan if there is evidence that those drug labs and drug lords have ties to the Taliban.

The President's Executive order, Review and Disposition of Individuals Detained at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base and Closure of Detention Facilities, January 22, 2009, directed the review of the status of each individual currently detained…

President Obama ordered that the military detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay be closed 'as soon as practicable' and in any event, no later than 1 year from the date of his order.

The President has directed the closure of the detention facilities at GTMO, in an Executive order signed on January 22, 2009.