John Thune actually said...

"As future policy advisors to the Secretary, I would like to get your opinions on whether or not these most recent budget decisions were indeed informed policy decisions."

"I also want to associate myself with the remarks that were made by Senator Lieberman earlier."

"If you talk to troops or commanders, it continually comes up, and it really does undermine and hamstring our ability to be effective."

"I can't think of individuals who are better equipped to serve in the posts for which you're here this morning."