The Federal Government and its workforce are under a tremendous amount of pressure.

We really are unhappy with our hiring system. We are in the dark ages if you look at where we are compared with the private sector.

I regard Senator Voinovich as a champion of human capital and so I am fortunate to be working with him on this.

I think we agree that we need to make the Federal Government--and this is what Senator Voinovich and I have talked about--the employee of choice for the best talent in America.

Our men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect our freedoms deserve the absolute best service when they return.

It is my hope that the Committee will vote on your nomination in the very near future and that it will be considered expeditiously by the full Senate.

Failure simply is not an option with this program.

We certainly are looking forward to a time when we can improve these systems.

I want you to know that we are supporting you as much as we can and we want to bring this about for the benefit of our veterans.

DOD should be prepared to provide the bulk of the response to a major catastrophe that incapacitates civilian government over a substantial geographic area.

I'm encouraged that the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) will go a long way in addressing this issue.