I appreciate the Chairman's willingness to visit with us so often, and explore areas of concerns with regard to our economy and monetary policy.

I cannot overstate the importance of this trend for our men and women in the workforce.

This is a result of the economic growth tax relief package that was signed into law in June 2001, and renewed in May 2003.

I applaud your ability to keep interest rates down while the President's tax relief creates liquidity in our monetary system.

The Nation's economy is on the right track, jobs are being created and people are going back to work.

In Iraq and Afghanistan, our Nation is helping to rebuild schools and hospitals, water supply systems and roadways.

I applaud your efforts in protecting our country through your respective positions.

Thousands of men and women from my home State of North Carolina have proudly gone to serve in Iraq.

The need for this capability is becoming increasingly clearer considering what we have learned regarding the proliferation of weapons.

I certainly want to thank the Service Chiefs for being here today, but I also want to thank you for the great work that you are doing in leading our young men and women in the military as they fight and battle terrorism both here at home…

We are forging a process of peace and in doing so we are moving toward turning control of the government and society back to the Iraqi people.