Joe Manchin: “I rise to highlight for Senators the important work of the Airland Subcommittee in the fiscal year 2014 National Defense…”

“I rise to highlight for Senators the important work of the Airland Subcommittee in the fiscal year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act as reported by the Committee on Armed Services. I am very proud to be the chairman of the Airland Subcommittee and for the close working relationship I have with Senator Wicker, the ranking member of the subcommittee. The Airland Subcommittee has broad responsibilities for substantial parts of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force budgets. The Airland Subcommittee also has responsibility for National Guard and Reserve equipment and readiness. As a former governor, I know firsthand how effective the National Guard is, and they provide a great value for all Americans. Throughout this process the goal of the Airland Subcommittee has been to promote and improve current and future readiness of our military, all while ensuring the most efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars. This year the Airland Subcommittee has jurisdiction over $49 billion of the Defense Department's base and overseas contingency budget. This includes $37.1 billion for procurement and $11.9 billion for research and development. In this regard the Airland Subcommittee's recommendation fully supports the Department's budget request for Overseas Contingency Operations and would support most of the major weapons and equipment programs in the base as requested. However, sequestration presents many challenges.…”