Guard units in the U.S. are suffering severe equipment shortages which will affect their ability to respond to emergencies in their home States, such as Katrina.

It is vital that Iraq and the United States together send the clearest possible signal that those who commit acts of violence against American military forces and American civilians will not be rewarded with amnesty.

Today nearly every combat brigade located within the United States would report that they are not ready for duty. They are at the lowest levels of readiness.

All of these are necessary right now. Otherwise, much of the efforts of the military will be shut down,

We need to succeed in Iraq. If we don't, we will create a snake pit ... of terrorists.

This effort will clearly increase the overall burden on our military, ... The Defense Department's civilian leaders must look at the impact of this and future crises and the ongoing war on the military's future readiness and overall state.