"Make no mistake, after sacrificing hundreds of billions of American taxpayers' dollars and nearly 4,500 American lives, the United States has an enormous stake in Iraq's success."
"We were worried, and were saying so at the time, that this endeavor would harm the country's economy, that it would blow the top off of the price of oil."
"Clearly this did not occur, with the United States spending billions in Iraq for reconstruction."
"It's hard for a lot of, especially West Virginians, but also Americans to understand. Is there a return for us or any sharing of that, or are we all in with nothing in return?"
"There are people on this committee, and in the Senate, who have argued that the United States should remain in Iraq in the same sense that it's remained in Korea, as a projection force."
"If we are no longer there they will turn their focus on the Government of Iraq."
"We seek a country that is sovereign, stable and self-reliant, with a government that is just, representative and accountable."
"General Austin, you have said that internal security in Iraq is the best it's been in years..."
"Their ability to do what we saw them do in the past is somewhat diminished."
"What are the potential consequences to any of you there if it falls into the wrong hands, as far as our production?"
"I truly believe that the security of the Nation depends on the independence that we have in our production of energy, from every State doing everything they can."