I think that it would serve as a barrier to Iranian influence coming from the West.

It is my belief, Mr. Chairman, that a political economic and military alliance with the Afghan people, at their request, would be incredibly beneficial to our long-term national security interest and could be a game-changer in the region.

I just can't thank you enough for what you've done for the country.

I think it would serve as a barrier to a reconstitution of the Taliban and others coming from the border areas in Pakistan.

The threat from terrorism is just not confined to Iraq and Afghanistan.

I think that's a real world example of where 30 years of investment really paid off.

Do you think, all things being equal, it would be better for the U.S. military to be able to continue to provide security?

I just want the American people to know that we've made mistakes, but we're finally getting it right.

Now, we need to understand that as a Congress here, the Secretary of Defense has just told us, and, since World War II terms, we're on the very low end, at a time when I think the threats to our Nation are growing exponentially.

I hope, Mr. Chairman, that sometimes this year Republicans and Democrats can have a breakthrough on this issue to help our men and women fighting this war.

The civilian-military partnership is essential to holding and building.

I think it would be a stabilizing, have a stabilizing effect, not just in Afghanistan, but in the region.