There is not excuse for providing our troops less compensation than they deserve.

I thank the gentleman for his statement.

I am disappointed they didn't come, and I think it is a disgrace they weren't here when they were asked to testify on such a subject.

I have never had the opportunity to be in this committee room to the best of my knowledge.

I think that once you take that into account, it makes for a much smoother and more predictable process.

We are in the midst of an economic maelstrom that is hurting virtually every sector of our Nation's economy.

I am heartened that we now have a presidential budget request that prioritizes funding towards areas that are of great importance to Tennessee's Ninth Congressional District.

The Making Work Pay tax cuts for 95 percent of Americans is important.

We have 86,000 veterans in the tri-State area, and yet the closest regional office is 200 miles outside of the region.

I think it would be a good thing if we could do some spending on a regional basis.

I would also like to hope that the budget would do more to sustain our Historically Black Colleges and Universities.