John McCain

So you disagree with the secretary of defense, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Admiral Fallon that we had a failed policy?

I think we've had a failed strategy which I bitterly disagreed with for more than three years.

Not until we have the situation under control, to the degree that the Iraqi government can exert its influence through most of the country.

Not until we have the situation under control to the degree that the Iraqi government can exert its influence through most of the country, that you start with the -- that you move forward with a political and economic process.

I see some signs, but it's by no means conclusive yet. I don't think we're going to know for a number of months whether the Iraqi military is capable and motivated.

I'm not sure exactly how to read it. It shows, I think, that they're capable of assembling hundreds of insurgents. I think it's also good that we attack them before they orchestrated an attack. In other words, as a preemptive strike, which…

I don't think he's been strong. I have been disappointed in some of his decisions.

What is John McCain smoking? I don't want any.

There's a certain lack of logic associated with that position. But I respect it. And I think we need to have a respectful dialogue and debate on this issue.

Of course. I think there would be ethnic cleansing on a massive scale.

Mr. Duehring, if confirmed, how would you lead the Air Force civilian service to even higher levels of training and performance?

Mr. Duehring, one of the issues that this committee will have to address in this and future conflicts is the utilization of Federal civilian employees in support of expeditionary missions.

The shared interests of the United States and Pakistan transcend the personality of any particular leader.

The United States and Pakistan have a shared interest in building stable and sustainable democracy.

Pakistan is a country of tremendous importance to our strategic interests currently undergoing severe political instability.

What steps are being taken diplomatically to lessen the possibility that serious and sustained violence will result?

What do you foresee as the worst case scenario for which KFOR must be prepared?

It is expected that in the coming weeks Kosovo will declare its independence and that declaration will be supported by the United States and the European Union (EU).

I forego it, on behalf of Senator McCain and myself. I believe we're anxious to proceed to questions.

I am a strong proponent of defense acquisition reform.

While a great deal of emphasis has been placed on our ground forces, the Navy faces significant challenges.

Your nominations come at a critical time in our country's history. The United States faces a myriad of strategic, diplomatic, and military challenges.

I want to welcome and congratulate Admiral Roughead, General Ward, General Chilton, Lieutenant General Mattis, and their families on your nominations.

In your view, does establishing an executive agent impact the legal responsibilities and authorities of the various Services, specifically in relation to acquisition management?

General Cartwright, the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) has been a controversial topic over the last few years.