The reason American troops are still in Germany so long after World War II is American national security interests, not just for Europe, and the threat from Russia, but the importance of Germany to U.S. forces as a transit point going to…

It is also a challenging political environment, and to be charged with what I believe is the first function of the Federal Government--to defend the country--is a significant responsibility.

This is substituting the judgment of the administration for the judgment of Congress by reducing specific weapons systems that had been authorized and appropriated.

Article 1 section 8 says it is Congress' responsibility--not just our authority but our responsibility--to provide and maintain, raise and support, make the rules and regulations for the military forces of the United States.

I believe it was inappropriate. I do not believe it was impeachable.

I think that is important, and it is something that not only the services, but we need to share as well.

I may or may not agree with all the decisions you make. That is irrelevant, but the point is you all have been serious about making the changes internally to ensure that the Army is prepared for the challenges coming at us.

I want to commend what at least has seemed to be, from my vantage point, a close working relationship between the service secretaries and their respective service chiefs.

I agree completely with comments the chairman has made about the budget.

I think the very first step was when this committee put into law several years ago a requirement that the audit take place.

President George Bush, in a different context, talked about the soft bigotry of low expectations.