Daniel Akaka

We know that there is a great value to this new benefit for the veterans who are currently taking advantage of it.

Thank you very much, Mr. Stephens.

I have the expectation that you will continue to strive to meet your time limits and accuracy goals.

I believe it provides a really important benefit to veterans.

As one of the only three current senators who received benefits under the original GI Bill after World War II, I know firsthand the value of this program.

To build on what Senator Burris was saying, and to clarify, the VA is making three payments on behalf of each student.

I will be working with all of you in the coming weeks to move that and move the entire Veteran Employment Assistance Act as a whole forward in the Senate.

There are a number of provisions in need of modification.

Thank you for this opportunity to present The American Legion's views on the implementation of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 today.

Thank you very much, Senator Begich.

Thank you very much, Mr. Osendorf.

As one of only three current senators who received benefits under the original GI Bill after World War II, I know firsthand the value of this program.

I am confident that, if confirmed, these nominees will join the others who have appeared before us in making valuable contributions to the District.

Civilians are essential to carrying out the mission in Afghanistan.

I believe that it is very important that U.S. personnel who work overseas have a strong understanding of the culture they are working in and the ability to speak that language.

Under President Obama's strategy for Afghanistan, as the United States works to destroy al-Qaeda, the Nation also is working to build the capacity of the Afghan government and bring new opportunities to its people.

Japanese Americans serving in the U.S. military were critically important in reconstructing Japan in the aftermath of World War II.

The State Department's Afghanistan and Pakistan Regional Stabilization Strategy calls for creating a cadre of civilian experts on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The administration is currently working with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Permanent Five Members Plus Germany (P-5+1) to establish sanctions against Iran.

The United States has a key interest in Iran's relations with other countries.

Ultimately, as the administration has said before, all options are on the table.

When we started talking ending homelessness among veterans, it is important to know the size of the problem.

Homelessness for any American is a very difficult thing, but for an individual who has answered the call to duty, it is not unacceptable.

In order to be successful in any plan to end homelessness among veterans, we must recognize that a significant number of homeless veterans suffer from mental health issues.

I am very disappointed that we are forced to so abruptly close, missing the opportunity to voice your concerns and priorities.