Over the last ten years, the Army has been an important part of our efforts to defeat violent extremists and ensure our national security.

I think it is imperative that we avoid it for many of the reasons that have been stated.

The Army will continue to play a key role in our national defense.

The depth of denial in this country, not just in this town, about where the deficit is at, and what is going to be required to respond to it is unprecedented.

All three of those pieces have to be on the table if we are going to seriously deal with this.

I can't think of a better team than Secretary McHugh and General Odierno to lead our Army during these challenging times.

Overall, the defense budget is also fully consistent with the funding levels set by the Budget Control Act passed by Congress.

I think you have done a great job.

I do share the Chairman's concerns about sequestration. I think it is just not debatable that it would be devastating.

I truly believe that the plan that you put forth does the best job of doing that that we could do in our uncertain world.

We must prevent this. Now, it is possible and I think highly likely, actually, that we would come in, in December, and find a way to avoid sequestration.