Ben Nelson: “Over the last 2 years I have been advocating benchmarks, measurable goals, to measure progress in Iraq.”

I was very uncomfortable seeing that $400 million disappear, with the representations that we've made to be fully funded to carry out the program.

I would like to know how the Air Force came to this decision and whether they understand its full impact.

Let me add my thoughts. We ask you to reduce budgets, to watch the growth, and then when you come before us after you've done it, then we question why you've done it and whether you've done it right or not.

We as a Nation would be greatly diminished without our space assets.