Chuck Hagel: “Sequestration may have irreversible impacts in the long term.”

Iraq's continued political progress toward a more inclusive and representative government and its programs of reform and reconciliation will be critical to achieve the progress required.

It is the biggest responsibility any leader has, to leave the place better than they found it, and I do not think we are doing it right now.

The President has determined that closing it is a national security imperative.

I don't believe so, because there will be a question of trust and confidence in the panel, the makeup, if it's not transparent.