That's a question that's subjective and the secretary in consultation with the president, if that comes about, should answer and I indicated this morning very clearly I intend to support my president in his decision.

Are these milestones and final target dates achievable?

I believe if you will consult with Senator Inouye and Senator Stevens that this is their domain and they made that decision.

I have absolutely 100 percent confidence in your integrity.

I do not deduct from the time of the Senator.

We welcome you back before the committee and commend you, once again, for the outstanding leadership.

I agree with the President that our first commitment must be to America's security and that our troops 'have the resources they need, when they need them.'

I start today by recognizing the men and women of our Armed Forces who, together with a coalition of nations, liberated Iraq.

I am not sure what the precedents are for the Senate Armed Services Committee commandeering the other body's chamber.

If not, we will make it mandatory.

the Korean peninsula poses a very serious threat situation which I think is being commendably addressed by our President and others in a diplomatic manner.

The United States faces a near-term ICBM threat from North Korea. Over the next several years, we could face a similar threat from Iran and possibly Iraq.