While the removal of tactical nuclear weapons from Europe is ultimately the President's decision, the administration has committed to addressing these issues within the framework of the NATO alliance, not unilaterally.

For the South Koreans and the Japanese, having a nuclear-armed North Korea and them not having nuclear arms and to have any uncertainty about the willingness of the United States to defend them is a dangerous thing.

It is important--I know my ranking member agrees--that the commitments made as a part of New START are upheld.

Nuclear weapons weren't obsolete, they do play a role in the world today that cannot be wished away.

Secretary Creedon, can you tell me how you intend to verify compliance with a treaty that addresses tactical nuclear weapons?

What if Iran and North Korea collude? Will we then have enough missiles?

how can we verify that dismantled tactical nuclear weapons are not being replaced by new warheads?

We lack confidence in estimates of Russian tactical nuclear weapons.

Secretary Creedon, do you intend to address the disparity in tactical nuclear weapons that was noted in the New START Resolution of Ratification?

Admiral Syring, is there funding in the fiscal year 2014 request for this new kill vehicle?

Managing capability development and acquisitions over the next 5 years will define for decades perhaps how space will either enable our warfighting capability or limit our warfighting capability.

The DDPR concluded that the 'alliance's nuclear force posture currently meets the criteria for an effective deterrence and defence posture.'

The ORS concept--for a second year in a row, the budget request proposes a termination of the congressionally-established ORS Office.

I really want to be clear about it. Modular and that kind of thing-- modernizing effectively our nuclear weapons arsenal is essential.

a modern nuclear infrastructure was essential for facilitating reductions in the arsenal while sustaining deterrence

I think a case can be made that nuclear weapons are a force for good, but if we allow North Korea to have them and Iran to have them...

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, I join you in welcoming our distinguished panel of witnesses.

I am pleased to see the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) recorded a $1.1 billion reduction in costs over the next 5-year budget, and I applaud the Air Force in reducing cost.

I think it would be a mistake, as we spend large amounts of money developing our systems, if we do not give sufficient attention to security.

Given the Government-wide costs to relocate, there has been an estimate as high as $18 billion?

Secretary Creedon, do you agree that we must address any potential Russian violations before proceeding with yet another arms reduction agreement?

I think that's a positive step.

Shouldn't we also delay the negotiation of any further arms reductions below New START levels?

Secretary Creedon and Admiral Syring, why did DOD terminate the Precision Tracking Space System (PTSS)?

I look forward to discussing with each of our witnesses the steps they are taking to maximize capability with fewer resources.