"The sanctions, you know, I know they were well intended, but they don't seem to have worked, so what else can we do?"
"So instead of going through the U.N. and letting that money go through there why don't we use American companies and invest in infrastructure and things that we can trade and start from the ground flo..."
"If we become trading partners with a country like Sudan, instead of forcing Western ideals on a country that does not want those..."
"I think we need to focus on aid--or trade, not aid. I think China is ahead of us in here."
"They are in the lead. They are taking the majority of casualties, and I venture to say close to 90 percent of the operations the military is conducting are Afghan-led, Afghan-directed, Afghan-planned."
"I want to build on some of the statements made by my colleague from Hawaii and Mr. Duncan in the regards of the money being spent."
"Our goal... is a secure, stable, and democratic Afghanistan that governs this population justly and secures its geographic space."
"What are we hoping for? That they will have a stable government, one that is not wrought with fraud, waste, and abuse?"
"I look forward to this hearing to find out how we can better utilize the aid we give, not just in money and food but the military."
"I think their willingness to come to the table or wanting to is maybe they are feeling a little bit of pain over there."
"It just amazes me to hear what is going on right now in the present situation with these negotiations..."