Wednesday's Senate Armed Services Committee hearing provided a moment of levity when Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) asked about the status of NORAD's (North American Aerospace Defense Command) tracking of Santa Claus.
NORAD and its predecessor CONAD (Continental Air Defense Command) have tracked Santa and his reindeer's journey for six decades as they criss-cross the world delivering presents for people to wake up to on Christmas morning. Cotton, a former Army Ranger, asked Gen. Paul Selva if they were again up to the task.
"For 60 years, NORAD and the Air Force have been tracking Santa over the skies of North America," Cotton said, smiling. "Can you assure the boys and girls of this country that NORAD and the Air Force are fully prepared to track Santa once again?"
"I don't have a complete intelligence report, Senator, but I understand that the reindeer have been in fact fed their quantity of oats and are prepared for the delivery of all of those gifts to those who have been nice and not naughty," Selva said.
"Well, I think it's a welcome reminder that, while most Americans are at home enjoying Christmas with their families, that our airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines, whether they're in NORAD or around the world, are out there keeping us safe and defending our values and what makes this country great," Cotton said.
Selva added he spent Thanksgiving with American troops in Iraq and reported their morale was high.