Do you agree that there is the potential, as outlined by Ms. McFarland, that there could be a multi-year period where we would not have assured access to space for the heavy NRO platforms?

I thank the gentlelady.

I don't think you can start the certification process until you prove the technology works.

Before I stop, I want to go to what Ms. McFarland just described as this potential gap of time when we won't have access, particularly on the heavy-lift...

Good afternoon. I want to welcome everybody to the Strategic Forces Subcommittee hearing on assured access to space.

Well, you two professors, I think it is important, colleagues, to know that you have been joined by--in effect, I think it is fair to say--I will ask you, Professor Salzman, if this is correct.

I have got to tell you that my understanding of our role is to serve the national interest of the people of the United States.

I am perfectly willing to discuss converting our immigration system to a more high-tech-oriented system, more skill, more language skills, more science and engineering skills, and any of those other skills.

I think it is obvious that it is in the national interest that the 1 million people that immigrate to America each year who are on a path to citizenship and come lawfully, we should tilt that number to more high-skilled people.

I just would say that this Congress represents the people of the United States. And, yes, bringing in talent to America is a good thing, but we have no obligation to yield to the lust of big businesses.

Is that an acceptable national security risk, in your opinion?

Can you explain whether an H-1B employer has to recruit American workers before hiring foreign workers?

Is that optimistic or is it practically realistic?

It is painful. If you read the statements that we have got of people----

On March 7, 2015, nearly 100 Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle went to Selma to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery. I was humbled to welcome so many of my colleagues…

If the 1608 language was fixed so that we could use those additional 14 RD-180 engines, would it remedy the situation that you just all said was unacceptable?

I understand that. Mr. Zuckerberg is a brilliant person.

It probably won't take 2 years, but I would be surprised if it took less than 18 months.