It is imperative that we support our forward-deployed forces engaged in current operations but we must not overlook other important developments in the international system.

If I am confirmed, what I would like to do is to make sure that the Congress and DOD see the relationship as not adversarial, but as working together toward a common goal.

We cannot overstate the importance of our work.

I am delighted to be here to say aloha to Mary Schapiro and, of course, to your lovely family.

Without question, you have my support. But I thank you so much for what you have done already.

As upsetting as such mistakes are, the public's trust in VA comes from its willingness to disclose those errors.

Change is not going to happen overnight.

America's veterans deserve a truthful advocate who will break through the red tape and make veterans, not the bottom line, the priority of VA management.

As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management and the Federal Workforce of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I am committed to making far greater use of telecommunicating opportunities…

I hope that you know that we will be supporting you in your efforts to make this Agency all it can be to support the veterans that served this country so very, very well.

I want to say aloha and welcome to you, Ms. Duckworth.

I would urge you to be very imaginative as you enter into this role as to how we communicate, again, not just with veterans but with veterans' families who are absolutely crucial in every case to the healing process, both physically and…

His honest assessment that more troops would be needed cost him his job, but it is the surest measure of his fitness to serve as a cabinet member.

Every organization needs an unquestioned leader and I am anxious to have you assume that role at VA as soon as feasible.

There must be trust and confidence in VA if it is to serve the veterans effectively.

Thank you, and for the record, can you please report back to the Committee with a preliminary plan of action within 60 days?

I applaud your commitment to achieve that goal responsibly, as well.

I have a high expectation of what 'seamless transition' means.

I stand ready to work with you to make that happen with as much energy, honesty, and transparency as I can.

The only way we can do in America what we do is because you all have done what you all did--protecting us and this country and giving us this quality-of-life.

Opening statements, comments, or prepared statements of: Senator Akaka

Mr. President, this year marks my 19th year in the Senate, a mere fraction of the time served by my esteemed colleague and good friend, Senator Robert Byrd, the Senator from West Virginia. Senator Byrd has been a Senator as long as Hawaii…

The uninformed have blamed much of the current financial crisis on the Community Reinvestment Act. That is simply not true.

Instead of finding excuses to stop Federal efforts to expand across to mainstream financial services, we must do more.

I have greatly appreciated the extraordinary leadership and judgment shown by the Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Sheila Bair.