I would ask you, first of all, if you think that is a good idea.

the tide of the war is receding and al Qaeda is on the run and on a path to defeat.

The problem is, as I see it, the President is relying on his political and his media advisors rather than his military leaders.

The President is focused on dismantling the military, appeasing our adversaries, abandoning our partners, and refusing to implement a new national security strategy.

I am also troubled by the President's plan to draw down our forces based on arbitrary timelines instead of the best advice of military commanders.

The recent presidential elections have been marred by allegations of widespread voter fraud.

I just hope that you recognize, all five of you, that we are in a situation that, certainly in my 20 years in the U.S. Senate and on this committee, I have never seen a more stressed time, in terms of budget problems and all of that.

A budget-informed strategy would first consider national interests and objectives, then assess how to achieve those objectives given the strategic environment.

A budget-informed strategy begins by defining one's objectives; assessing threats, challenges, and opportunities impinging upon those objectives.

I believe we can all agree that sequestration has had a devastating impact on our Nation's military readiness.

This is not where the problem is, it is in China and India and Mexico, in other places.

The main thing we want to hear before this committee is that you do have a commitment to do your best.