One effect of sequestration was that DOD quickly moved to end Service advertising, marketing, and outreach programs.

What information does DOD require to be provided to prospective recruits to ensure that they have immediate access to assistance and intervention, if necessary, if they believe a recruiter is intending to take improper advantage of them?

What additional tools does DOD need in order to continue to reduce--with the goal of eliminating--sexual assault?

What guidance has DOD provided to ensure that prospective recruits and their parents or guardians are fully aware of the limits for relationships with recruiters?

TRICARE has created a disincentive for beneficiaries to use the less costly urgent care option.

Having military members with language and culture training are essential to a U.S. global force.

I am looking for sustainability. I am looking for a generous benefit that is sustainable, because if it is not sustainable, it is a false promise.

If you do not fly a lot, it is dangerous, right?

Secretary Wright, does the VA need additional resources to hire more claims adjudicators?

The Afghan people do not want to return to the oppression of the Taliban.

I think it is a critical investment, Senator.

The more they have, the less they need us, is that correct? The more capable they are?

I thank you and your staff for doing a very good job, an exceptional job, in difficult circumstances.

I believe it can get better, but the operative part of your phrase is 'over time.'

So we would eventually lose all we have gained?

One of the reasons that we have contained al Qaeda is that we have other agencies in the fight.

If we were seen as losing in Afghanistan, it would be hard to convince the Iranians to change their behavior?

I do believe it would be a wise investment for American taxpayers to continue to invest in the ANSF at 352,000.

The ability of al Qaeda to regenerate would be greater under a losing scenario, is that correct?

One of the goals of this BSA is to solidify the relationship between the United States and Afghanistan for at least a 10-year period.

Would you agree that having SOFs on the Afghan side of the border has been helpful?

The Government of Afghanistan in many ways is one of the enemies we are fighting here.

I worry such action is premature and would weaken opportunities for U.S. companies, especially in Africa.

What is the question? I will take a voice vote, absolutely. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Washington.

This amendment will get your attention. About 500,000 or 600,000 Federal employees will be furloughed because of sequestration. They are going to miss 1 day a week of pay. We can't dock our own pay constitutionally, but I am asking through…