August 30, 2006 On behalf of the more than 100,000 members of the Association of the United States Army, I again urge that on 5 September, the first order of business in the Senate is the immediate completion of the Fiscal Year 2007 Defense Appropriations bill. Our ability to win the Global War on Terror and sustain the all volunteer force is dependent on timely defense appropriations and authorizations. The bills must meet the Army’s baseline budget, sustain the Senate’s critical reset amendment, and fund the war. I cannot stress how important it is that conferencing differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill are completed before the 30 September end of the fiscal year. Our Soldiers and our Amy deserve no less than your full support of the completion of a timely Appropriations Bill. GORDON R. SULLIVAN General, USA Retired