I am concerned especially with sequestration.

We have a force that has a National Guard where 50 percent of its Black Hawk helicopters are still alpha models and have been in service for a good 30 years.

Last week I traveled across my district listening to my neighbors, who cannot afford the cuts that will go into place under sequestration. At Harper College, school superintendents told me that sequestration will cut vital programs and…

It bothers me that we are wasting this kind of money.

I have worked with veterans for a very long time, and veterans are a community with a very high unemployment rate.

I hope you don't think that I look like someone who is lazy and on government handouts.

I think there are many people who receive benefits who are not drug addicts and are suffering--are abusing drugs.

And as a Democrat, I am going to talk a little bit about the States' rights and my concern that Governors do maintain the ability to access the troops under State Active Duty in Title 32.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I think that Republicans are going to -- anyone who would oppose this would have to answer to their constituencies as to why they think women aren't capable of doing their jobs.

I was so pleased because I think it's a great step forward for our military and our nation. You know, this opens up a whole new population of Americans who want to serve and who want to defend this nation who now will be able to do it in…

I was pleased because I think it's a great step forward for our military and our nation. This opens up a whole new population of Americans who want to serve and who want to defend this nation who will now be able to do it in combat on jobs.