Thank you, Mr. Chairman and thank you all for being here today. And I certainly agree with Sheriff Nugent that I appreciate the very candid comments from each of you on very important issues to our country.

In light of the defense cutbacks, particularly sequestration, will this be looked at further, to relocate the AFRICOM command?

Thank you, Chairman.

Well, and do understand that we appreciate what you have done so much and recognize how important it is.

What's more, approval of this pipeline will create jobs in the United States.

It is, frankly, unconscionable that this project has been essentially stalled for over 4 years by the administration.

I think that the most important thing that we export as a nation is our freedom and our ideals.

The sequester is going to affect mission-critical operations while we are engaged in so many conflicts throughout the world.

I have the privilege of representing Fort Jackson. I have represented Parris Island so I have seen firsthand the opportunities provided for young people.

Military service is opportunity for people to achieve their highest ability, a fulfilling life.

Well, whatever we can do on the reprogramming, please let us know. And again, I want to commend you on the excess funds, is not necessarily negative. It is that you are being very responsible.

I voted against the sequester. I think it is bad policy.

I particularly appreciate the very positive comments by Ranking Member Susan Davis and that we will, in every way, I look forward to working with her.

The subcommittee today will, once again, focus on the challenges of maintaining an All-Volunteer Force in a budget-constrained environment.

It is budget week in Washington. Today, House Republicans, under the leadership of Chairman Paul Ryan, unveiled the new budget. Our Nation has racked up nearly $17 trillion in debt due to out-of- control government spending. In order to…

The threat of a yearlong CR is still there.

These programs are vital to maintaining the readiness of the military.

It is a challenge for the Services to manage these programs without a timely budget.

I want to thank, again, all of you for being here and the extraordinary challenges and issues you are facing.

The Subcommittee today will once again focus on the challenges of maintaining an All-Volunteer Force in a budget-constrained environment.

I am concerned though that Secretary Hale has suggested that, as of August, the Department may not be able to pay physicians who provide services to retirees under TRICARE.

There will be reductions and it will affect the daily lives of our service members and their families.

These dedicated individuals should not be subjected to political games.

I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to speak before you. I would like to first thank Chairman Paul Ryan for his leadership on this committee.

I represent the 2nd Congressional District of South Carolina, which includes the Army's base at Fort Jackson in Columbia.