Joe Manchin

I support DOD's efforts to rebalance the share of costs incurred by the Department and the beneficiary, while preserving and enhancing the quality and range of care.

We have to have the political courage both in facing the budget for fiscal year 2013 and the threat of sequestration.

If the American people think that we're putting fairness to the system, I'll guarantee you they're behind us 1,000 percent.

General Odierno, please describe why there is a Red Cross on Army MEDEVAC helicopters.

I recently read a disturbing article that the Afghan air force officials may have been using aircraft to transport narcotics and illegal weapons.

Do you think our veterans who have already sacrificed for the safety of this country should be asked to sacrifice more?

A sustainable solution to piracy requires addressing conditions on land. Stability and economic development are necessary to provide viable economic alternatives to pirate activity.

What are the survivability rates of casualties in Afghanistan?

If we accept it, we're not fulfilling our responsibility under the Constitution to provide for the common defense.

The recent London Conference on Somalia reinforced the international community's commitment to working with the Somali people to support the political and economic progress needed to consolidate recent security gain.

Did the Air Force consider alternative plans that you have said 'reduce the cost of doing business,' such as relying more heavily on the National Guard and Reserves?

I believe that we could cut back drastically, even if sequestration kicked in, from the contracting services and still strengthen our military.

I think you would have to understand why some of us are so upset, when we're cutting, we're cutting our own Air Force by over 200 aircraft by 2013, while we're building up the Afghan air force.

As a civilian, a taxpayer, and a lawmaker, it's disturbing.

I don't think that should be a political football. That's just common sense in West Virginia.

I think, first of all, I want to commend all of you for working with our office so close on this new caucus.

I have problems with the presence that we have and the direction that we've gone in Afghanistan.

As a West Virginian, and the people in West Virginia support the military as strong as any State that I know of, we believe that we can strengthen the military's position by being responsible with the budget, but it would come off the…

Does the Army need this short-range airlift capability?

Are you confident that this budget meets the requirements to 'surge and regenerate forces and capabilities' that the President spelled out in your Priorities for the 21st Century Defense?

I know that some veterans are starting to see a cost increase in prescription medication--some by as much as 33 percent.

I am deeply concerned, and I think you are right. I know you are right in the fact that we are always reacting instead of being proactive.

General Odierno, what are the effects of arming a MEDEVAC helicopter?

I'm very proud of what our Active Military and our National Guard have done in Kosovo.

The fiscal year 2013 Air Force budget disproportionately cuts the Guard and will necessitate losing the expertise gained by pilots and capabilities over a decade of war.