Thad Cochran

That's good. Well, we wish you well, and we want to be sure that the bill that we recommend provides the funds that are needed to meet those goals.

We want to thank you, too, for the definition of your priorities, in terms of funding for programs and activities.

Now, more than ever, we need to increase our country's investment in this vital, cost-effective program.

MENTOR has appreciated the support of the subcommittee in previous years, in funding these programs at these levels since fiscal year 2004.

The submission to the committee contemplates what is called a surge of civilian experts.

In considering the administration's request for overseas contingency operations, we must be mindful of our duty to provide our servicemembers and diplomatic officers with the resources needed to conduct their missions successfully.

We're at a critical juncture for the future security of our country as we begin to draw down forces in Iraq and shift our focus to dismantling Al Qaeda and extremist networks in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

These are national security issues of great import, and we are going to carefully review the request to be sure that we provide the resources needed to deal with these critical international challenges.

People think we are operating in the dark up here sometimes, and they are right.

I don't understand how this can be the top priority for the State Adjutant General for years and still not be included somewhere in the budget.

We are the strongest Army National Guard right now of all time, and we are making progress every day.

I just wanted to raise one issue.

I am concerned about this ability to provide a continuum of medical care and attention for those who need to have their medical situation addressed.

Today's citizen soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are an indispensable and operational reserve.

This has been an excellent hearing.

The Active Duty Navy has only had a 39 percent completion rate on the Post Deployment Health Reassessment form.

Because of your experiences and your knowledge, we take what you say very seriously.

I'm pleased to be able to come by and join you in thanking these witnesses for preparing testimony.

The activity we've noticed with concern in North Korea in the recent short-range missile testing has led to concerns about whether or not we are moving fast enough with a ground-based interceptor production line.

I appreciate your mentioning the MRAP vehicles, the vehicles that have been used in Afghanistan.

The decision to cancel the Next Generation Bomber was directed by the Secretary of Defense in the fiscal year 2010 President's budget submission.

The Air Force is playing a unique and important role in the defense of our Nation.

We need to be sure we provide them with the funding needed to continue to carry out their missions in the way they have in the past.

The budget proposes transferring Joint Cargo Aircraft purchased by the Army and the mission associated with those aircraft to the Air Force.

I wonder whether consideration can now be given to modifying an existing platform to provide these capabilities?