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The decision to use military force should always be one made with the utmost caution, with U.S. interests at stake, and with the consent of Congress.

We have a sufficient political class, and the military doesn't have to get involved in high national office. The days of doing that, post-Civil War and post-World War II, are gone.

So we have a group within the office that is devoted to support for the war fighter. That's, of necessity, an operational and tactical level of concern.

We don't thrive on military acts. We do them because we have to, and thank God we are efficient.

Going to war is a serious matter. And it should be done very carefully and deliberately with clear national interests at stake before the United States or our Commander-in-Chief acts.

Moreover, broad plans commensurate with our national purpose and resources would bring conviction of our power to every soldier in the front line, to the nations associated with us in the war, and to the enemy.

I think we look to the military as something that protects our shores.

Politicians do not enter into wars lightly. It is usually the military themselves who are keener to become involved.

I'm on the Armed Services Committee, which gives me the opportunity to get involved on some of these international issues. My focus is, as you know, on the economic issues and budget issues.