Joe Manchin

We wanted to practice that and we want to practice what we preach in our own offices.

I just believe we should be out of there, period.

we also ought to have a Republican alternative, if there is one, so we can see exactly what the options are in that regard.

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.

General Odierno, why are Army MEDEVAC helicopters unarmed?

I'm troubled by this.

this budget, if we adopted it, avoids sequestration. It does it because finally they're talking about additional revenues.

If anything, I'd rather cut 200,000 contractors and keep the 100,000 uniforms and use the support of our National Guard.

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.

I have a hard time, especially in West Virginia we have a hard time, understanding why we would be cutting back the military men and women in uniform and not cutting back the contractors.

I think you all realize the sensitivity of what we're dealing with here, trying to make sure that we give you what is needed to keep this safe and free.

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

There's a group of us in a bipartisan effort that are looking at ways that--and we know it takes everything, getting the money that we're not receiving now that should be paid in revenues, and also make sure we get fraud, waste, and abuse…

I'd rather have American dollars spent in West Virginia than in Germany.

Is there any way we can tie up with you through this caucus that will help, in a simplistic way, knowing when people are getting out or are going to be leaving?

To me, we could cut back on contractors and basically put a certain amount of that towards our men and women in uniform.

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.

I hear from my constituents about the slow disability rating system.

We can cut spending, too, sir.

The system puts the future plans on hold, creates unnecessary stress, and most likely contributes to the high unemployment rates.

If it had not been for the large pay that attracted you to leave the military, would you still be in the military? Unequivocally, yes.

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

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

As an American and a West Virginian, I appreciate your service and I'm very, very proud of what you do for our country.