Roland Burris

I was down there and saw what Scott Air Force Base is doing for the community of Mascoutah, IL.

I agree with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mullen, who made the statement that--that's where I got the statement from--that they lied.

The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program has been plagued with numerous delays and setbacks.

I'm concerned about the cancellation of the C-17. Isn't that going to impact our readiness and our ability...

I want to commend you on your position with 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'

I applaud the level of integration of the Navy and the Marine Corps Reserves into the total force structure.

Keep in mind that at one time blacks could not serve with any dignity in our military.

What is the long-term plan to get to a 33-ship force?

We did not have the best and brightest in the service prior to the integration and President Truman making his statement.

Do you still believe that the Army will reach that goal, specifically, with achieving the dwell time ratios?

Do you see a need to ask for more funding to cover the costs of full-time manning for the National Guard and the Army Reserves?

It appears that the majority of the ARNG's portion of the budget request is in the OCO and supplemental.

I applaud the level of integration of the ARNG and the Army Reserves into the total Army.

If the supplemental is being replaced by the OCO request, then why is there such a big disparity?

Secretary McHugh and General Casey, you testified in the past that force protection is a major imperative with current and future OCO.

Is there a plan to address this disparity?

Is there not enough qualified minorities and females officers available in the Army National Guard?

Is there a study examining the possibility of having one recruiting command that serves the needs of the total force vice having three separate agencies?

Secretary McHugh and General Casey, will you meet the Grow the Army objectives that are part of achieving operational balance?

What particular programs address the Services' modernization and recapitalization?

Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen, please explain how the mission to provide defense support to civil authorities is addressed.

What we need is a policy that allows any individual who has the integrity and the commitment to serve this country, to serve this country.

I say the policy needs to be changed, the policy must be changed, and we must have everyone who is capable, willing, and able to volunteer to defend this country.

We can save millions and millions of taxpayers' dollars by combining those systems.

We're there to assist and not to take over or occupy a country, as some people are concerned about.