The statistics that we had at that time were that African Americans were about 13 percent of the age group, about 12 percent of the people in the military, and about 12 percent of the casualties.

There can be nothing more important, in my view--and I think John McCain and I share this concern--than ensuring that, in this type of a process, that the military be allowed to report to the political side.

With these figures in mind, I believe the Blue Ridge Parkway Protection Act is a sound investment for Virginia's future.

I've heard that argument. I heard it when the Dole-Shalala Commission came in, and from my perspective, it's more akin to compensation from a tort claim or an injury, rather than fitting someone to a particular profession in an…

This kind of information shouldn't take 3 months. I don't want to be put in a position where I'd have to put a hold on nominations.

that's a moral contract. It's a moral contract that goes beyond benefits, and it goes to the life of an individual who spends a career in the military.

That's actually very healthy for the military.

General Stultz, what percentage of the Army Reserve has deployed?

I think there should be no doubt in anybody's mind that we are very committed to making sure that our military people are well compensated.

I think we undervalue what we can get out of people who haven't yet finished high school.

First of all, was to include them for the first time in a GI Bill. It never happened before.

I hope and pray the Senate, one day, can get back to doing business as usual.