I think that Afghanistan has a unique place in the historical narrative of these extremists that makes it especially important to us.

I am concerned, however, by reports that our Federal law enforcement and counterintelligence agents may have backed off from further inquiries into Major Hasan's activities based on concerns about his First Amendment rights.

But we do no favor to all of our fellow Americans who are Muslim by ignoring real evidence that a small number of their community have, in fact, become violent Islamists and extremists.

I want to make clear this morning that we intend to carry out this investigation with respect for the thousands of Muslim-Americans who are serving in the American military with honor and the millions of other patriotic, law-abiding…

The stresses are showing up in the form of breakdowns, suicides, sometimes homicides.

The prohibited activities that are listed in this manual are all geared toward organized activities.

Leaderless resistance is ultimately a strategy of weakness.

Domestic intelligence collection remains a necessary and critical component of homeland security.

Was this another failure to connect the dots?

As Senator Collins says, it is important that we assure ourselves, we address these issues, because it is at the core of our obligation to protect our military service members and their families.

This case also raises questions about whether or not restrictive rules have a chilling effect.

I can think of no more important task for this Committee to undertake.

To Senator Collins' question, these can be complicated, perhaps unnecessarily so.

The recent arrest of Najibullah Zazi demonstrates the tremendous benefits of information sharing.

We hope that one of the results of our investigation will be a new pamphlet on extremist activities that incorporates the lessons of this case.

I believe that on the capability side--I am coming back to Senator Coburn's question--we have a lot to do.

I agree with you that there are some agencies, DOD is an example, where there has been such a diminution of the acquisition workforce that probably more than 5 percent is needed.

I can assure you we are going to hold you to it because it is important.

Your point that a one-size-fits-all approach should not be taken is a good one.

It is far more fun and interesting and press-worthy to put the dollars into program people, or to launch some new initiative.

I think this kind of oversight is so important.

I believe that you need to understand that there will be resistance to this in some agencies despite their evident need because they are going to want to spend the money on other things.

private meetings are not the same as public hearings. And they are not. The public cannot see them.

I will continue to call them 'czars,' at least to the conclusion of this hearing and until a solution is found.

this issue has been of concern to me for many months.