I want to underscore the importance of the DOD IG's functions and urge you, if you are confirmed, to consider this appointment as a mandate to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of that office.

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

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

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

Obviously, the attacks of September 11 were a massive intelligence failure.

Our Nation is indebted to these highly trained and dedicated special operators who have to undergo such rigorous training to prepare themselves for the duties they perform.

I was not involved in the policy, but I would like to say that you're absolutely correct that the turnaround with the Sunnis represents one of the most dramatic changes in Iraq in the last 12 months.

I think one of the most important aspects of this assignment, if not the most important in my judgment, in addition to your credentials, is will you provide the President your own impartial, straightforward personal advice on a range of…

I most recently, together with a number of other Senators, 52 to be exact, put a measure through the Senate.

I think that Senator Reed has put his finger on a very decisive point here and I find it, with him, kind of astounding that that has been done.

I consider the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict to be one of the most important in the Department.