Political Quotes

“Since leaving the CIA in 1993, Dr. Gates served in a variety of academic capacities and as the interim dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University from 1999 to 2001. On August 1, 2002, he became the 22nd president of Texas A&M, the Nation's seventh largest university. He referred to his work with that university with a great deal of compassion and sentiment yesterday. He said in a very respectful way that it is going to be difficult to leave that university, but he felt the call of the Nation, the call of the President, had to take priority. At the hearing yesterday, Dr. Gates was questioned about his past service, about his reasons for returning to Government, and about his views on Iraq, Iran, North Korea, and the tremendous challenges that face the United States today. He acquitted himself remarkably well. Senator Levin and I have been here together for 28 years. My good friend, who will soon follow me, would agree it was one of the more extraordinary nomination hearings we have had in the many years we have served on the Committee on Armed Services, and he was given to unanimous support of each and every member attending that hearing yesterday. I think we had 100-percent attendance except a member attending a funeral. I commend the President on his decision to nominate Dr. Gates.”