Joe Lieberman

I appreciate that. And of course, we know from tragic experience in other countries--London, Spain, and India--that terrorists have attacked non-aviation modes of transportation with bad consequences.

I support collective bargaining rights for TSOs, although I understand any contract that was negotiated would have to put their security responsibilities first.

One of the reasons why the attack on us on September 11, 2001, was successful was a 'failure of imagination.'

You would oversee, if confirmed, General Harding, an agency of 50,000 employees, approximately, with an $8 billion annual budget and, of course, a very important mission, which is to protect the safety of passengers and cargo traveling by…

As you said, we travel a lot and we see a lot of TSOs, and on two occasions now I have had TSOs sort of, in a friendly way, follow me out and ask me for a moment and say they were concerned that promotions within TSA were being done on…

I have a little more than a minute left, so I am going to leave the questions about Harding Security to Senator Collins.

We were reminded again just how crucial the purpose of the agency is and why getting a first rate administrator on the job soon is critical by the attempted Christmas Day bombing on Northwest Flight 253 as it was approaching Detroit.

Of all the changes in American life since September 11, 2001, TSA is probably the most visible and, over the course of time, also one of the most effective.

It just seems to me and I would bet it would seem to most travelers that if we have this 400,000 TSDB list... it is at least worth running the name of every passenger going on a plane through the computers.

This is about the extent to which TSA carries out rail and transit security.

I will look forward to working with you and your Committee on that.

I think any system, particularly one with this much responsibility, can benefit from a fresh look.

I agree with you in highlighting the threat posed by al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and al Shabab.

Obviously, I agree it's very comprehensive and should inform the decision that Congress makes in voting on the question.

I just want to ask a quick question about the working group on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

I appreciate that. Our committees are going to continue to work together.

When you think about the havoc that could be unleashed in a country like ours, it's profoundly unsettling.

Perhaps even some are skeptical of how serious it is.

You don't surge for 1 year and then begin leaving, regardless of whether you've achieved your objectives, or not.

Our Afghan friends are worried that we will leave and the Taliban will cut their heads off.

This has been one of the great chapters in the proud history of the American military.

One of the things I think was implicit in what Senator McCain said, and I certainly share this hope, is that we can work together to determine both with yourself and Secretary Napolitano whether there are any legislative changes necessary…

I appreciate that answer very much.

I think that partnership continues to grow.

That I think quickly but strongly outlines the nature of the threat certainly to our national security structure.