As you both know, much of the training at the posts is on-the-job training, which is an important aspect of training.

I hope as cuts are examined the Congress will recognize that diplomacy is an essential element of national security.

Thank you. Ambassador Powell, what is the current status of implementing the Secretary's Diplomacy 3.0 initiative to increase Foreign Service employees by 25 percent and Civil Service employees by 13 percent by Fiscal Year 2014?

Senator, the answer is obviously difficult for all of us as we deal with the Fiscal Year 2011 funding.

I am a strong supporter of rotational programs to improve government integration and coordination.

Mr. President, today, many dependent children of veterans who permanently and totally disabled from a service connected disability or who died in the line of duty are no longer being covered by their health insurance program. I am…

Through Senator Akaka's efforts, VA spending for health care is now appropriated a year in advance--protecting it from an imperfect budget process that is so often affected by politics.

Your leadership over the past four years contributed to historic achievements for veterans.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record the Committee on Indian Affairs Rules of Procedure. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: Rule 1. The Standing Rules…

Through the Dodd-Frank Act, we provided the Commission with the authority to require meaningful disclosures prior to the purchase of an investment product or services.

this would most likely be your last defense budget hearing before this committee.