We have already seen evidence that, notwithstanding the addition of substantial resources, we are experiencing great stress in recruiting and not inconsequential retention problems.

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.

We are particularly interested in the mental health programs and policies that support our troops and their families before, during, and after deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan.

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

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.

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.

One in seven Americans lives without health insurance, and that's a truly staggering figure.