the lack of transparency surrounding China's nuclear programs--their pace and scope, as well as the strategy and doctrine that guide them--raises questions about China's future strategic intentions.

The EKV was never meant to be the permanent kill vehicle for GMD and the current system is heavier, less capable, and less reliable then I think it can or should be.

the United States will not agree to limitations on the capabilities and numbers of U.S. missile defense systems.

Diplomacy is not going to sway their intent to develop a missile capable of reaching the United States.

my concerns about President Obama's PAA have been compounded by recent reporting by the Defense Science Board and the GAO.

Returning GMD--the only system currently capable of protecting the United States from ballistic missiles--to its full capability must be our highest priority.

Despite our need for fiscal austerity--and there is a need--shortchanging nuclear modernization at a time when we face threats and uncertainty ahead, and they even grow, is simply not acceptable.

We don't have the money. That's what Admiral Mullen meant when he said the debt is the greatest threat to our national security.

However, the decision to ignore critical DOD requirements and to defer the facility at Los Alamos construction and repair, while also increasing funding for the multi-billion dollar facility at Y12, is something I'm not comfortable with at…

Ballistic missiles continue to pose a threat as they become more survivable, reliable, and accurate at greater range.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent for 30 seconds. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Mr. President, I have had rankings as the most conservative Member of this body many times, and I have often said there are two areas where I am a big spender: one is national defense, one is infrastructure. We desperately need this bill…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent for 10 seconds. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

We do not have Senator Thune here, who is doing a great job in the Finance Committee. Unfortunately, his mother died and he is not here. We would be able to sit down and solve this problem and not delay this bill. Right now it is set up so…

Madam President, I ask that the pending amendment be set aside to call up amendment No. 1738. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will report. The bill clerk read as follows: The Senator from Oklahoma [Mr…

I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To prevent the creation of duplicative and overlapping Federal…

Madam President, the CBO just announced this morning that February was the largest deficit month in this country. We have run $690 billion worth of deficits through the first 4\1/2\ months of this fiscal year. We will have a $1.6 trillion…

Mr. President, this amendment is very similar to an amendment we voted on in the small business bill which passed 64 to 30- something--I can't remember the exact number. It is very straightforward. We ask the OMB to look at the two most…