It is extraordinary that we would call up a unit and they are gone 17 months or in some cases close to 18 months from family, home, and job.

I share some of the same concerns expressed by my colleague from California.

I think there is a threat of nuclear weapons against this country.

I suspect that you are taking a look at what are the anticipated future costs here with respect to deployments.

I appreciate the work that the Secretary does, and General Jumper's, and the men and women of the Air Force.

I would prefer that we try to recognize we're ramping up to a different level and it's going to be continuing for some while.

They make the case that this money, the billions of dollars, should be spent on other defensive systems, which are more urgent.

So money for the costs of the prosecution of the war in Iraq, and also activities in Afghanistan, would have come from the regular Pentagon budget from October 1 until some subsequent date, when the Congress would pass another emergency…

I think you have indicated in your testimony we need to be judicious about how often we deploy them and how long we deploy them, because they are citizen-soldiers.

It seems to me that one of the major goals with respect to our security here in this country is the apprehension of Osama bin Laden.

They say the Pentagon has waived the operational testing requirements essential to determine whether the highly complex system is effective and suitable.

I have received a letter that was sent around on this program from 49 generals and admirals who call for postponing missile defense.