Joe Manchin

I understand that it costs us approximately $1 million to $1.5 million to train one special operator.

I do not know why any of us do not pay attention to GAO, but why the Department of Defense does not makes no sense at all.

As we look at the costs associated with F-35, does it make sense to spend so much money on the F-35 while we currently depend so much more on our special ops forces?

We do not want to put any more bureaucracy on top of you than you already have.

I cannot understand and cannot explain to the good people of West Virginia why you do not want people in uniform who we count on and are trained properly to do the job.

If you confirm that at high risk, what would it take for us not to be at high risk? These are artificial caps and all this other bull crap that we are dealing with.

I have been shaking my head at sequestration for years now. It is a foolish way to set budgets.

I'm just trying to find an answer. But, I think that question is asked quite a bit.

I've been so active as, basically, in aggressive recruiting, and some of our best and brightest and youngest people are coming into the Guard for all the opportunities, especially educational.

We face a wide range of cyberthreats from terrorist groups, like the ISIS criminal hackers and spies.

You're thinking Russia can negotiate that?

Russia's recently announced withdrawal from--the military forces from Syria, saying that they've fulfilled their mission.

Thank you all for your service, and thanks for being here.

Being a former Governor, I understand the importance of our Guard.

Their effect has been the opposite of what they stated, and certainly the opposite of what is needed.

In recent days, we have once again seen North Korea threaten to conduct a preemptive nuclear strike and reduce Seoul into a sea of fire and ashes.

Are we destroying the tunnels?

Do you think a wall is needed?

There are many folks in my State of West Virginia that have a lot of concerns with our Government when our Government considers accepting refugees from overseas.

But, you all recommend that we do not reduce that vetting process whatsoever.

It is all seamless now?

I am a strong supporter of the National Guard and its versatile role in supporting national Homeland security especially in the area of missile defense.

That is a threat that you said that we are prepared to deal with?

Quite frankly, I am extremely pleased. Those soldiers who have been doing that mission now for many, many years are extremely competent and confident.

It's an affront to the Constitution.