How will this affect certification?

I want to see us come up with our version of the RD-180, the American-made version, and stay within that same technology realm.

Is that optimistic or is it practically realistic?

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

Why is the EELV Launch Capability arrangement in place, and how does this benefit the U.S. Government?

I love it when billionaires want to spend their own money to do cool things that help the country, but it's still a business.

Is the DOD still evaluating the appropriate contracting structure in the future, in terms of launch services, capabilities, and infrastructure, to maintain assured access to space and have fair competition?

Do you plan to fund an entirely new launch vehicle and all new infrastructure? Do you know what it will, or could, cost the taxpayer?

not having assured access to space is not an option from our national security standpoint.

What are the risks of this approach?

General Hyten, SpaceX has recently made statements about a higher-thrust engine.

What are the risks of this approach, and how does this compare with a path that replaces the RD-180?

Can the DOD rely on the domestic commercial launch provider market to the meet the national security requirements for assured access to space?

Russia and China are building missile defenses against the U.S.

Do you agree with Ms. Gottemoeller that Russia is cheating, or not in compliance, with approximate 8 out of 12 treaties or agreements? Please explain how the U.S. is responding to each case.

The 2010 National Space Policy states that the Secretary of Defense shall 'Develop capabilities, plans, and options to deter, defend against, and, if necessary, defeat efforts to interfere with or attack U.S. or allied space systems.'

The President's Budget reflects a renewed emphasis on the nuclear enterprise and I believe the investments entailed are appropriate to ensure continued long-term viability of the Nation's strategic deterrent force.

As you know, nuclear modernization costs continue to be a topic of discussion up here.

Today, only Russia and China have the capability to conduct a large-scale ballistic missile attack on the territory of the United States, but this is very unlikely and not the focus of U.S. BMD.

I am concerned with the Air Force's plan for space-based weather collection that we could be headed down a similar path of relying on unreliable partners.

Why do you need a replacement for the ALCM?

As recently stated by the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency at a HASC hearing on worldwide threats, 'the threat to U.S. space systems and services will increase as potential adversaries pursue disruptive and destructive…

Can you please outline your concerns about the Open Skies treaty? I'm asking for your best military advice concerning potential risks to U.S. national security.

Are there any allies who are not yet convinced Russia is violating the INF treaty? Who are they? What are we doing, country by country, to explain and demonstrate how we know?

I do not believe that the world can afford nor can our own security allow U.S. power to continue to recede.