I am also concerned about providing adequate employment assistance to veterans, especially with the thousands of new veterans expected from the proposed DOD drawdown.

I find this is an incredible committee for you in your career being a joint--being Chief of the Army, and then coming in and being Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

But what about assuming or giving the presumption that they may all need it, may need some treatment...

Let me just tell you, a tragedy just happened last week in my community of Gilroy.

It is a good thing we have the control of your budget in our hands.

I have suggested to the Naval Postgraduate School... that they actually implement a course in UXO technology.

I really want you to figure out how we can get some more money for that account.

You can't shortchange cleanup on the eve of asking Congress for another BRAC round.

I am a strong proponent for Monterey because you have got the language component there.

I want to know where that will be.

I am surprised to see that the whole program was flat-funded when it has had such incredible success in increasing market share and jobs in this country.

So my question is, why is it so flat-funded? Why haven't you supported the Organic Data Initiative?