Definition: In this task, you're given a statement and three sentences as choices. Your job is to determine which sentence can be inferred from the statement. Incorrect choices change the meaning in important ways or have details that are not mentioned in the statement. Indicate your answer as 1,2, or 3 corresponding to the choice number of the selected sentence.
Input: Statement: They sponsored evidence challenging the need for a cushion so substantially above and beyond the Postal Service's own best estimate of future increases in the cost of collecting, processing and delivering the mail. Choices:  1. The evidence challenges the need for a cushion. 2. The evidence challenges the need for a cushion in the Postal Service's budget. 3. The evidence affirms the need for a cushion.

1