We have to look at these things as we go forward and I think it's very appropriate to ask FCC to look at it hard.

I am concerned that the schedule for development and deployment of the SM-3 IIB is overly optimistic.

Admiral Mullen has said it's the greatest threat to our national security--our debt.

It seems quite clear that there will not be enough money in future budgets to cover the costs of the weapon system programs currently underway.

I happen to be the ranking member on the Budget Committee, which makes all this no fun to talk about.

I'm pleased that the top line of $8.6 billion includes a modest increase over last year, but I'm concerned that the overall 5-year budget represents a more than $2.2 billion reduction below last year's planned future defense budget.

DOD is not immune. I'm just telling you, and neither is DOE.

I think you've indicated you need more interceptors to facilitate the kind of realistic testing that you believe is necessary.

we need to be able to go forward with it and we don't need to stop short of the number of interceptors we need in the ground and prepared.

More I think is needed to ensure the capability that we have works to the advanced degree that you'd like it to operate at.

The Air Force has proposed an efficiency initiative to adopt a new method for acquiring satellites called Evolutionary Acquisition for Space Efficiency (EASE).

we don't need to stop, allow our adversaries to develop more sophisticated missiles, and then all of our efforts have been not productive.

People do not appreciate the extent to which our space capabilities help sea, air, and land teams.

General O'Reilly, will affordability targets be reported to Congress in the BAR?

The cost for space launch vehicles has risen.

shouldn't the Air Force be required to demonstrate the reliability of these systems before asking Congress to authorize buying these assets in bulk?

What steps are being taken to ensure that taxpayers' dollars will be spent wisely?

Senator Sessions. General O'Reilly, the fiscal year 2012 budget included a $5 million efficiencies-related reduction for Israeli missile defense cooperative programs.

It's difficult to overstate the fiscal crisis this Nation is in.

I've long urged that we focus more on the GMD system, the only system solely responsible for protecting the Homeland at this time.

Well, ultimately the political leaders make final decisions on the matter, there's no doubt about it.

the United States of America cannot not have a reliable nuclear arsenal. It is not acceptable.

Do all of you understand it would be your duty, if asked in hearings or within DOD, that your duty would be to give your best military judgment as to how to best defend America, even if it's not in accord with us politicians?

Well, I would agree----

The Air Force is dependent and required to provide the entire support now that NASA has reduced its play.