Not unlike what we saw in Iraq, the training of the military and the enlistment of folks into the military in Afghanistan has been on the rise.

I do believe, however, they suffer a very similar problem.

I think that the Russians certainly recognize that some of the most serious threats to their own security are the same as the ones that we worry about: instability to their south, Islamic fundamentalism, and of course the conflict in Afghanistan is very close to their own borders.

As Senator Levin said, we're going to take up this bill it looks like next Thursday.

This train wreck that was coming 10 years ago is here with respect to certain systems.

I wish we could do more of them [multi-year contracts].

We've obviously had some controversy with respect to WHINSEC, but with the changes that have been made, we now are providing a valuable service to our country because of the relationship that's been developed with Central and South American neighbors, particularly as it regards the emerging threats.

I would simply ask you for the record, if this discussion does come up, and there is any consideration of changing current statutes relative to the definition of modifications within depot maintenance, that you commit that you're going to come back and discuss this with us before any kind of major shift in that is done.

All of you are making a real commitment to America, and for that we appreciate it very much.

We have a known quantity with the F-22. If you just divide the number of F-35s that we are going to procure by the dollars that have been requested by the Pentagon, the cost of the current F-35 is comparable to the cost of a current F-22.

If confirmed, will you pledge to give Bob Carey and the Federal Voting Assistance Program all the personnel and support they need to carry out this new legislation?