What is driving the requirement to modernize our nuclear capabilities? Is it age of our forces or the ongoing modernization efforts of other nuclear powers?

For something as important as space services, do would you want to rely on the Russians or the Chinese to meet warfighter requirements?

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.

Why do you need a replacement for the ALCM?

Since the President's goal is a world free of nuclear weapons, why should we modernize our nuclear capabilities?

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…

During the peak years of nuclear modernization, how much of the DOD budget will be going towards nuclear deterrence?

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.'

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

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

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

I would like to welcome back our returning members, especially the distinguished gentleman from Tennessee, my buddy, Mr. Cooper.