ROBERT HALE: “Please don't use the word nonessential as regards our civilians.”

We hope that Congress will enact this deficit reduction plan, or an alternative that the President can sign, and then repeal sequestration.

We strongly hope the Congress will pass this plan or another plan supported by President and repeal sequestration.

This subcommittee's support is essential if America's Armed Forces are to have the infrastructure and facilities needed to carry out their missions.

If our assumptions about Iraq or Afghanistan turn out to be overly optimistic, or if global conditions change for the worse, we would be able to adjust the size and schedule of this change or even reverse it altogether.