when I came to Washington over a year ago, this country faced an economic crisis greater than anything we have seen in generations. So my colleagues and I set out to work. Under President Obama's strong leadership, we passed a landmark…

How do you do the verification of that?

it is with pride that I bring to the attention of my colleagues a recent series of programs conducted in Downing Grove, IL, relating to medical care for our servicemembers. The programs were sponsored by the Dupage Medical Group and the…

But even Washington and the other Founding Fathers recognized that taxation is a necessity--and that paying taxes is every American's patriotic duty. When they are levied--not by some tyrannical monarch across the ocean, but by a…

early this morning, we awoke to sad news out of Memphis, TN. This country has lost a civil rights pioneer, a strong leader, and a witness to history. Benjamin Lawson Hooks fought all of his life for freedom, prosperity, and universal…

I thank my colleague from Virginia, Senator Warner, who has taken a leadership role on this important and crucial issue in the Senate. At a time when we are looking at trying to move all this major legislation and solve problems for the…

In 1790, Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson became the first government official to perform the essential duties laid out in Article One Section Two of the U.S. Constitution. He oversaw a team of marshals, who fanned out across all 13…

Gentlemen, the alternative plans to compensate for delays in the JSF program have been an added cost.

The Navy continues to analyze training capacity requirements and invest in training centers of excellence to meet demand.

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

The Marine Corps' commitment to the JSF program is steadfast.

So, there are no added dollars. You're just switching dollars.

I thank Senator Warner. I compliment him for his leadership in getting the freshmen engaged and involved in making sure we are getting the message out to the American people. This piece of legislation, which was signed yesterday by…

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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