Joe Wilson

I believe we have more flag officers than we did in 1990, yet we have a fraction of the force.

The E-7 with 28 years does not earn more retirement because he and she served longer and sacrificed. How should that be considered again as fair?

I am very concerned about the 20,000 personnel reduction in the Marine Corps.

The proposed major reductions to end strength, compensation programs, and health care programs sap our combat capability.

This budget offers no apology for the program reductions that go to the heart of our military capability.

I feel like sequestration again is somehow singling out the Department of Defense, the military.

I am very concerned, as Congressman Austin Scott pointed out last week, that there seems to be a move for free health care for everybody except for service members, military families, and veterans.

I am specifically concerned, of course, of the district I represent for the reduction of 80,000 personnel of the Army.

I must be counted among those members with serious reservations about the budget request and the reductions in force.

Wilson, Hon. Joe, a Representative from South Carolina, Chairman, Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

I am concerned with a $256.8 million reduction for the ground-based midcourse defense program that this program will be at risk.

I am very proud. I have four sons currently serving under your command, and I am very grateful.

We hear all the time that we just can't make a difference, but we can in a huge country; 40 million people.

I am mighty proud of the success of Plan Colombia.

That is really very positive. Another positive spot is Palau and the strategic significance of Palau with the territory of Guam that we appreciate so much.

It has been really good to see the developing relationship with India.

I grew up with a real understanding and appreciation of how hardworking and capable the people of India and China are.

What specific efforts are being made to address suicide and suicide prevention in the National Guard and Reserves?

Last year Governor John Baldacci, of Maine, was hired for a yearlong study of military health care.

In my home state we have unemployment over 9 percent--many communities almost 20 percent. And so this needs to be addressed.

The percent, again--345 percent--really is a great concern to me.

If it were up to me the defense budget would not be reduced.

Could you provide us information on what the cost would be to upgrade and support the U-2s through 2025?

How can we understand that an asset critical to national security and costs less than an alternative be terminated?

That strikes me as tragic for retention and recruiting.