John McCain

You will be asked to expand on that comment. It may be the most critical aspect of intelligence reform.

I congratulate them on their nominations, and thank them for their willingness to serve in these important positions.

The Army Corps of Engineers is in the process of carrying out an Air Force requirement to purchase, or otherwise acquire, private property in aircraft accident zones around Luke Air Force Base, AZ.

By accepting a lower design life for these new buildings in order to keep costs down, are we building a legacy of 'World War II wood' where entire bases of failing buildings will have to be torn down and replaced in 30 years?

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, what is the design life of these new facilities versus type 5 construction methods?

I wanted to follow up on a question we posed to you about maintaining a healthy bid climate that allows for a full range of small- and mid-size businesses to compete for construction projects.

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, if confirmed, what will be your policy on the use of these types of contracts?

Requirements should be developed so that small and mid-sized businesses are able to compete.

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, to what extent does the Corps of Engineers rely on the use of 'cost-plus' contracts for construction activities?

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, does the Corps currently have any guidance or policies in place related to the use of these contracts?

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, in your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages to the use of 'cost-plus' contracts?

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, if confirmed, what will you do to improve the objectivity and transparency of the Corps' processes, particularly as they relate to open competition and contract awards?

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, if confirmed, how do you propose to balance those interests?

There are a number of ideas circulating about the ways in which we can strengthen our already robust bilateral ties with Japan.

PACOM plays a vital role in providing stability and deterrence in support of this diplomatic effort.

Last week's agreement might be a first step on the path to a denuclearized Korean peninsula, but that is far from certain.

Beijing's regional and global aspirations are growing, and properly managing this relationship is vital.

It is unclear whether North Korea is now truly committed to real verification, a full accounting of all nuclear materials and facilities.

Several hundred thousand for several years.

We have a strategy and a plan for success in Iraq and we are broadly on track in achieving our goals.

I do not want to belabor it, but there is a series of quotes.

I believe it is abundantly clear that we are at a point in Iraq where we are going to have to succeed within in the coming months or we are going to have to experience catastrophic consequences associated with it.

In recent days the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and General Abizaid's designated successor Admiral Fallon have all stated we are not winning and we had a failed strategy.

I would like to give you a quote. There are many quotes, but one I would be interested in your response to.

We had a failed policy and we are not winning.