Patrick Leahy actually said...

"I commend your competent leadership during the current threat of a flu pandemic."

"I commend your early attention to our interests in working closely with Mexico in its struggle against drug trafficking."

"The National Guard will likely be soon tasked to help in the effort to counter the traffic in drugs from Mexico."

"The one area of concern--which I know we all have for every service-member in Afghanistan--is protection when traveling in vehicles."