I believe that we should continue both assistance and aid in the kinds of assets that they need

The Chief of National Guard Bureau plays a critical role of facilitating and mediating the interests of the States.

I have every confidence that both Lieutenant General Waldhauser, as AFRICOM Commander, and Lieutenant General Lengyel will fulfill these difficult jobs.

I look forward to your explanations and empirical data on this important issue.

We must recognize that high operational tempo, reduced readiness, and lucrative opportunities outside the Air Force continue to drive some of our best talent to leave the Service.

I concur entirely with your summation. I think the general is superbly qualified.

The responsibility to go after those forces in Afghanistan is your responsibility, as the commander of operations there?

If my concerns were not alleviated, I would continue to advocate for my legal position...

The issue in Libya is critical. There are two elements that have been discussed publicly...

Your service throughout has been extraordinary.

My hope is that no impediments for those who honestly seek the legitimate use of firearms with the right to do so and reasonable constraints on those people who have illicit motives.

While I share the President's hope for new opportunities, I also share concerns about Iran's destabilizing actions in the Middle East.

This success, which was enabled by coalition airpower, gave a significant confidence boost to the Iraqi Security Forces, and I hope this momentum will continue.

I hope the witnesses will provide their assessment of these events and what opportunities and cautionary notes they would present for consideration to the committee.

This is not, as I say, an arbitrary decision. It is a reflection of the courts' view on the Second Amendment rights of the individual Americans.

I thank the chairman for yielding, and I thank him for his hard work, as well as the folks on the other side of the aisle who have come together to support this legislation, as I do, today. Mr. Speaker, hardworking taxpayers across America…

we know that the quality of teachers and principals are two of the most important in-school factors related to student achievement. If we want to improve our schools, it is essential that teachers, principals, and other educators have a…

I ask unanimous consent that the time be equally charged to both sides. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I believe Senator Feinstein is coming to the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.

How much time do we have remaining on our side? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Eight and a half minutes.

these are all able and capable individuals who have been nominated and approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee. I want to pay particular attention to the nomination of Alissa Starzak to be general counsel of the Department of the…

will the Presiding Officer inform me when I have used 7 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator will be notified when his time has expired.

I ask unanimous consent that the time be divided equally. We have already divided the time equally. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator is correct.

Even in your concept of putting the Chairman in the chain, he would be still subordinate to the Secretary of the Defense.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you, gentlemen, for your very, very thoughtful testimony.