John McCain

Senator McCain. Dr. Anastasio, Dr. Miller, Dr. Hommert, and Dr. Schwitters, are there any institutional issues within NNSA that impede or threaten to impede stability?

One way to assure the long-term stability of funding and maintain focus across multiple administrations and Congresses would be to establish safeguards similar to some used in past arms control treaties.

Do you foresee any instances where resources above the administration's request may be needed in fiscal year 2012 or beyond?

Do you believe a standing requirement, akin to the 1251 report, for DOE to provide a 10-year top-line budget figure would be beneficial and provide additional fiscal stability within the complex?

The Russians would like to constrain the U.S. activities in missile defense.

Today's hearing is an additional opportunity to discuss the implications of this new treaty and its supporting documents.

As I've stated before, I've been a supporter of previous bipartisan efforts to reduce our nuclear weapons in step with the Russian Government.

I'm glad you would, because the State Department doesn't seem to.

Ensure that resources are commensurate with the requirements and expectations.

I understand that prior to the release of the fiscal year 2011 budget you originally requested more than a billion dollar increase in the weapons program account.

Without a bipartisan commitment to provide adequate and sustained resources, do you believe we will be able to maintain the level of confidence necessary to certify the stockpile without underground testing?

I am pleased with the commitment to increased funding, as I know you are.

How confident are you that the remaining $3 billion will be sufficient to conduct three projected warhead life extensions while also bolstering overall stewardship, surveillance, and dismantlement efforts?

I've been a supporter of previous bipartisan efforts to reduce our nuclear weapons in step with the Russian Government.

Given the many years of neglect, the weapons complex is in dire need of investment in both its intellectual and physical infrastructure.

If ratification of the New START treaty is to serve rather than undermine our national security, we need adequate resources and a consistent long-term commitment to modernize the weapons complex.

How critical is the timely delivery of the dual-capable F-35 to the extended deterrence mission?

Secretary Clinton, when does the administration plan to make START compliance and verification data available to the Senate?

Secretary Clinton, did our negotiators receive assurances from Russia that they will not object to the potential need to increase the number of GBIs in California and Alaska if the threat from North Korea or Iran materializes sooner than…

Secretary Clinton, what is the projected timeline for the Russian Resolution on Ratification to be made public, if at all?

Admiral Mullen, have you conducted a net assessment to determine if the United States can carry out its deterrence mission under a likely mixed Russian strategic and tactical nuclear weapons force structure?

As strategic arsenals are reduced, the distinction between tactical and strategic nuclear weapons is bound to erode.

Secretary Clinton, if we were going to offer assurances on missile defense, why didn't we demand similar assurances from the Russians on tactical nuclear weapons?

Secretary Clinton, as you are aware, the Russian law passed pursuant to START II ratification obligated in statute that Russia withdraw from START II if the United States withdrew from the ABM treaty.

Secretary Chu, can you confirm that DOE will not reduce its future years spending requests for NNSA as a result of DOD contribution?