Cord Byrd: “Yesterday the Armed Services Committee conducted a thorough hearing on the nomination of Dr. Robert Gates to be the next…”

“Yesterday the Armed Services Committee conducted a thorough hearing on the nomination of Dr. Robert Gates to be the next Secretary of Defense. I commend Senator Warner and Senator Levin for their leadership in holding a hearing which may be regarded as one of the most informative, important hearings to take place before that committee in recent years. Dr. Gates also deserves credit for the forthright tone of the hearing. His testimony to the committee was marked by candor and a serious discussion of the complex challenges before our country. In a refreshing change, rather than toeing the administration's line, Dr. Gates's testimony appeared to reflect his own views on the situation in Iraq, our Nation's approach to the Middle East, the difficulties facing our military, and a number of other issues. He sensibly acknowledged that real changes are needed in the administration's policy toward Iraq, that long-rumored plans of an attack on Iran or Syria would have dramatic consequences that would further endanger the region and the world, and that our military is being strained by the war in Iraq. Dr. Gates appears to be set to be confirmed by the Senate as the next Secretary of Defense, but he will be walking into a buzz saw. The current leadership of the Pentagon, in its arrogance and disdain for the Constitution, has alienated Congress and has seriously undermined the credibility of the Defense Department in a time of war.”