I have been on this committee 29 years and I think about 20 of those years I have been trying to work with the Corps on building a much-needed dam in Virginia.

I think we all agree that the criticality of the Guard and Reserve at this time as a consequence of their very courageous and forthcoming contribution to procuring the goals both in Iraq and Afghanistan have left it in some rather unusual…

I want to bring one to your attention, because I, fortunately, with other members of the committee, have spent a lot of time here in these many years working on unmanned vehicles.

We definitely need to support this government.

You are taking this position at the request of the President of the United States.

I think we're progressing. Congress has now required the President to come back up here by July 15 and give us a current assessment, not wait until September.

I personally have the highest regard for those two individuals and the committee that put together that report. I had a small hand in creating the situation which gave rise to that report. I thought the report was very constructive.

I think that puts in perspective my understanding.

I anticipate that. Wouldn't you?

This is fundamentally a law enforcement and governance role, not a military role.

I commend the President for having chosen very wisely.

I do not think it is the absolute last chance, but it certainly is the best chance right now that we have.