"Our All-Volunteer Force has been stretched by combat that has lasted nearly a decade."
"If confirmed, my number one job will be to ensure that America continues to have the best-trained, the best-equipped, and the strongest military in the world in order to make sure that we protect our ..."
"Leon Panetta, who has served honorably and successfully in Congress, at OMB, at the White House, and now the CIA, is prepared and uniquely qualified to be another outstanding Secretary of Defense."
"I have no doubt that his past experience and his capabilities prepare Leon Panetta to meet the major challenges before DOD."
"I have great respect for Secretary Gates and praise him for his service to this country."
"I also want to take this moment to thank my fellow Californians, Senators Feinstein and Boxer, who are not only distinguished Senators who have represented their State well, but are dear friends and d..."
"Leon brings something more. He has an interesting leadership style, with a deft personal touch that really matters to the people in his charge."
"He possesses the credentials and experience to make cuts where needed and where prudent."
"I hope that you will work with us. If in fact you support the 1996 law, as you said you do, and you are calling for regular order, that is what EPA is doing, regular order."
"I am not waiting around for the Consumer Product Safety Commission to act, they are not acting. We are going to do it."
"I said if we don't see the national Government implementing the laws then Congress is going to take it upon itself."