One only has to look at the performance of the economy to understand how it shapes the perspective of America's youth about military service.

Americans have an expectation that the Postal Service will abide by its well-known, although unofficial, motto - a commitment to deliver.

In the Armed Services Committee, we endeavored to put forth proposals that would help alleviate some of that stress, both for the troops and for their families.

As long as we're dependent on those fossil fuels, we're dependent on the Middle East. If we are not victims, we're certainly captives.

For the freedoms our founding fathers not only dreamed about, but made into reality. It is that same pursuit of freedom today that is helping to make our world a safer place.

We also very importantly recommend continued growth in the Army and the Marine Corps end strength.

My hope is that we continue to do an even better job in terms of our nation's energy policy, so that we may even further reduce our reliance on foreign sources of oil and take better care of our environment in the process.