I ask unanimous consent to enter into a colloquy with my Republican colleagues for up to 30 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

I am finding out new information as we talk. This has been incredibly confusing for me, because I am trying to get to the facts, as I know you are.

I think there needs to be a wakeup call here that we need to act and act soon in order to avoid that.

What is the Army's long-term modernization strategy for Stryker?

General Mattis, what is your estimate of fuel required for fiscal year 2013 for two or four C-27Js fulfilling resupply missions in Afghanistan as opposed to those missions supported by a combination of CH-47s, C-130s, or contractor airlift?

The value of competition in our procurement practices is critical to achieving the best-value for our Government and its taxpayers.

Are these costs funded in the Army budget request?

Why do you want to end procurement at 742 vehicles?

Are you satisfied that you and your leadership completely understand the risk associated with shutting down the U.S. tank industrial base in 2014?

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Ohio.

I am here today to talk about the President's budget, which he submitted today. In an era of trillion- dollar deficits and historic debt and the greatest level of government spending since World War II, I believe the President's submission…

this is what I'm hearing from the private sector and certainly hearing from you.