Robert C. Byrd: “Are you saying, Mr. Secretary, that the United States can handle the costs?”

My top priority will be to learn what challenges the DOD IG office needs to address and to ensure the adequacy of resources required to accomplish its mission.

The Department is firmly committed to working closely and openly with Congress in order to protect the health of our servicemembers.

Doesn't this send a signal to the Iraqi people and to the American people that the United States intends to have a large permanent presence there?

We need important changes in our great health benefit program. TRICARE, to ensure a superior benefit for the long-term.