And I will be a much happier Senator.

I think the phrase 'benefits from further consolidation' is an oxymoron.

I cannot conceive of benefits from further consolidation being something that is even in our language here.

But we are determined this time to get a hearing, to get a markup, and move this legislation.

Obviously, this Committee is interested in the public interest.

Let me say, Mr. Chairman, that Senator Rockefeller and Senator Burns and I and some others have introduced the Rail Shipper Protection Act.

It is a resource question. It is not a technology question.

I do not think I have any more questions.

Dr. Andrews, based on your assessment of historical trends for Army Science and Technology investment, are these reasonable dates?

Using the Army Science Board to study this issue makes sense and I wholly support their effort.

Mr. Aldridge and Dr. Etter, please address how funding levels for DOD basic research impact not only military capabilities, but also the pool of skilled scientists and engineers who will drive innovation and change.

Congress shares some of this blame, as it has taken funds from these crucial accounts and used them to pay for the near-term modernization or procurement needs of today's military.

Do you believe that this strategy fits the profile of a 'high risk' acquisition strategy?

Dr. Andrews, why is this approach necessary when we already have DARPA, an entity that is the military's high-risk manager for research and development?

currently, the NNI is balanced across five broad activities: fundamental research; grand challenges; centers and networks of excellence; research infrastructure; and the ethical, legal, and societal implications.

Mr. Aldridge, do you believe that there are changes that the Department can take to make it easier for industry to participate in military R&D efforts?

Well, that is the classic problem with all of our acquisitions. I mean, they just take too darn long.

This is a hearing that I requested. You supported an amendment that I offered to the budget resolution which dramatically increased the amount of funding for S&T research.