Ben Cardin

Well, first let me thank all of our witnesses for the work that you do for our National security.

I would just make the observation there was information that was put into the data bank, and it appears like before Christmas Day no one acted on that.

But it never gave you the information at the time that a visa was outstanding.

So in this particular case, we do not know what would have happened if you made that inquiry.

I just really want to put a spotlight on that because you and I have talked about this.

I am sure I can get an extra----

I can assure you that our intention is to be forthcoming, honest in our evaluation, to be inclusive in the approach.

What we need to see are results and accountability for when the safety of costumers and employees is compromised.

We have worked together. We have gotten them the money. We have helped get them a dedicated revenue stream.

The safe operation of Metro, and any transit system must not just be promised but also delivered.

I share Senator Mikulski's frustration with WMATA's record on improved safety measures.

But, if they don't happen.

If there are moneys being taken through corruption, it's going to cost the American taxpayer and the international community and Afghans themselves more than it should.

But, if there's backtracking, if it doesn't work----

The men and women who are serving under extremely difficult circumstances are the best in the history of America.

Do we have a matrix? Do we have specific objectives, benchmarks, whatever you want to call them, that we will be using to determine where we are next summer, as to whether we are prepared to withdraw?

How do you hold them accountable? What do you do if you find corruption?

I would just urge you that we need to have a system that promotes best practices, but we also--

We really want to work with you closely on that.

I think he was also concerned on the broader issues to make sure that we have in place the coordination that requires interagency.

The review by the President seemed to indicate that that was not clear.

This is an urgent issue, and I just want to emphasize the urgency of action here.

We want to make sure that we have institutionalized the protection of privacy for American citizens.

I think that when liquidity comes up against fairness and transparency, that fairness and transparency trump liquidity.

It seems to me we have a basic case here of a lack of transparency, no one knows what's happening.