Joe Manchin actually said...

"Secretary Gates told this committee a few weeks ago that he supported the decision to set the July 2011 date because it was necessary to 'grab the attention of the Afghan leadership and bring a sense ..."

"It is essential that President Obama holds to his decision to set July 2011 as the date for the beginning of reductions in U.S. forces in Afghanistan."

"reform the way the Pentagon does business--to not only make every defense dollar count, but also to become a more . . . effective organization."

"But we find it very difficult to continue on because of the EPA's intervention and their very onerous position that they've taken on permitting."