Joe Wilson

Why is there a disparity in treatment between civilian and uniformed personnel?

We have just got to be prepared.

I am very, very concerned about the reductions in the personnel of our military--other reductions--at the time of war.

I think if we look at the ratio of flag officers or general officers to the number of soldiers--and this is in every branch of the service, I believe--it is just--we are too top-heavy.

I think we ought to look at if they are not involved in the prepositioning of forces, if they are not expeditionary in nature, they ought to come out of Europe.

I am very disappointed that we have cuts in the Guard and Reserve envisioned in your plan.

I disagree with that. And let me give you another area that I would like you to look at. And that is slowing our promotion system down.

Thank you very much.

And TRICARE is so appreciated.

To me, this is a great concern for the people I represent.

That is sad, too, because the military has a reputation, and the people who serve in the military, a reputation of being professionals.

Those of us in Congress also have a personal interest in that it is the son of our former colleague Ray LaHood.

That is startling information you have just provided, how tragically unique this is.

It is just extraordinary what you do and the opportunities you provide, and of course to see it evolve from the Cold War of the Warsaw Pact to now, countries that are significant and very important allies of the United States and friends.

Thank you for your extraordinary leadership of this committee.

Now we have more radical elements who believe in Sharia law that are obviously at some point in the future going to take over that government, in my opinion.

The Afghan National Security Force budget request has been cut by 50% and has been justified by a reduction in the need for front-loaded costs, such as equipment and facilities.

I have been very positive about your service, because I know sincerely you believe this. But we have got to get the message out. Just the word 'sequestration' puts people to sleep. So please be the Paul Revere I know.

And, additionally, I would like to know the salary paid and then the supporting costs for his services.

And my concern would be that we should be providing more--that this is not the burden.

How can we justify such increases when really commitments were made to the people who have made such a difference in protecting our freedoms?

I am truly concerned at a time of war that we would have these reductions which I think is going to put American families at risk.

The President's budget asks the men and women in uniform, who have given so much already, to give that much more so that the President might fund more domestic programs.

This is a cynical gimmick that once more ensures our military, and only our military, is held responsible for what little deficit reduction this budget represents.

An honest and valid strategy for national defense can't be founded on the premise that we must do more with less.