I strongly support the Army's choice to protect this funding.

Unfortunately, the fiscal year 2013 budget request shows a significantly different picture for Army modernization.

Allowing certain major prime contractors and vendor production lines to go cold may not be in the best interests or economically prudent to our national defense.

We have lost over 6,300 Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan and more than 46,000 have been wounded, since September 11, 2001.

The Army and Marine Corps' budget requests for modernization come at a time of significant transition for both Services.

Over the past decade, our Nation has seen the effects of two wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Just out of curiosity, why can't your outreach programs be part of every VA director's duties?

Especially when, as Congressman Michaud was talking about, when it is the rural areas, there are huge gaps out there.

I think this would be a great way to at least try to do that, and I don't understand why the VA wouldn't want to impart that authority or that responsibility to our VA directors.

I wanted to echo my thanks to you for naming ships celebrating the great diversity of our country.

We very much appreciate that, and also naming a ship after Cesar Chavez.