Roland Burris

I'm a strong supporter of the Federal contract competition; and, as such, I supported continued funding of the F136 engine last year.

I am glad that they did not because we do not want that one person who would try to use that to get by and then may cause damage to some of our travelers.

General Harding, if you are confirmed, do you see any options for improvement in the processing and the responsibility facing screeners and TSA employees?

You're going to have a problem unless you select an African country.

Of course, this is more than likely my last appearance before your great committee, and I just want to commend you, Mr. Chairman, for your wonderful work and the opportunity to be able to serve on this Armed Services Committee.

Once a marine, always a marine.

In combat, you can't get tired because you never know when that ounce of energy is going to be needed to save yourself or one of your partners.

But, I think, in this instance, what we must do is not limit the opportunity for a dedicated American, regardless of his or her sexual orientation, to serve this country if they want to.

There are individuals who happen to be of another persuasion, called either gay or lesbian. They're just as dedicated and committed to this country.

What are the major obstacles facing the EHR and how do you plan to advance this initiative?

The primary thing I can do to support General Petraeus is to work in the closest possible partnership with him to help him execute the President's strategy in Afghanistan.

The mission in Afghanistan is now in its 8th year and is currently at a very critical stage.

I am confident that our whole-of-government approach will mitigate these risks as we transition to a civilian-led effort.

Current risk is anything hindering the political and economic development that is essential for Iraq to become a stable, sovereign, self-reliant nation.

Mr. Watson, what role will you play in the enforcement of a moratorium for DADT, if directed by Congress?

Mr. Watson, during the fiscal year 2011 budget request hearing both Secretary Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mullen voiced their support to conduct a study of how to repeal the current Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) policy.

DOD relies overwhelmingly on commercial electrical power grids for secure, uninterrupted electrical power supplies to support its critical assets and DOD is the single largest consumer of energy in the United States.

What is your philosophy on the role of the Secretariat within DOD to provide management oversight over policy making and enforcement of standards?

The story of Frank McWorter and New Philadelphia is an extraordinary one. But as I told this story a moment ago, here on the Senate floor, I left out one defining detail.

I’m certainly supporting as a cosponsor on Senator Lieberman's bill to change the law.

I believe my fellow sailors appreciated my honesty.

I'm not trying to base all of my questions on race. It's just a framework to try to get people to start thinking beyond that.

We need to put a moratorium on this situation right now. Don't let anyone be discharged from the military because of their sexual orientation until we can change this law.

I suggest that we have a stop order issued on anyone else being discharged at this point until this situation is satisfied.

I want to especially thank Chairman Udall and Ranking Member Burr for their commitment to our National Park System.