Are you sufficiently optimistic that the funding requirement may come down in the next 18 months?

Yes, sir. I'm still concerned about the process being used to develop this request.

I wish to associate myself with the remarks of the Chairman and to say to General Kadish I thank you very much for your tireless dedication to your country.

When I tell that to the Puerto Rican Americans, their eyes light up and they say: My God, we had our men in there?

I commend everyone who has played an important role in these operations.

Time and time again, the extraordinary ability of our men and women in uniform and all the people who work to support them has been demonstrated.

However, these ongoing operations have strained our troops.

Are you confident that you can meet your goals without changing any standards in recruiting or retention?

I am pleased that the Army is responding to the stress of overseas deployments by temporarily increasing end strength by 30,000.

But not the new brigades?

I suspect that these concerns will again be the subject of debate in Congress.

I find that there are two elements involved in the development of a combat soldier. One is morale, naturally; and the other is the sense of belonging to a unit.

What is Government doing, or what can Government do, or what can we do to increase this industry?

Climate is part of our way of life.

Since September 11th, 282,896 of our Guard and Reserve personnel have been called to active duty, and 25,151 have been called upon more than once.

It is critical that we demonstrate our support and express our thanks to these fine officers and airmen, and their families.

I suspect that these concerns will again be the subject of debate in Congress.

I realize that it is part of the policy of our Defense Department to make certain that every person in uniform carries his or her load.

Well, I am certain I speak for the committee, and I speak for all of my colleagues in thanking all of you for your service to this Nation.

I think the general view is that we will be able to ramp down our forces over time.

Today our Guard and Reserves make up 38 percent of our force in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

At this moment, our ground forces are benefitting from unmanned air vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles.

When I tell that to the Puerto Rican Americans, their eyes light up and they say: My God, we had our men in there?

Can you provide us with----

I encourage you to include us in the decision making process as you proceed.