What it shows first of all, that it's kind of the microcosm for the macrocosm.

There is no question that in the next conflict, if there be one, space will be a critical aspect of that conflict.

the possibility of an attack coming from one of these hypersonic weapons would be a preemptive, or out of the blue kind of attack, it could be decapitating.

Yes, Mr. Chairman, Representative Jacobs, the whole point is if the adversary believes that our system no longer functions, then they don't need to try to wipe it out at the beginning of a conflict.

the United States allowed our nuclear enterprise to atrophy, both the weapons and the delivery systems

The best way to deter a nuclear conflict is to deter a conventional conflict with the nuclear powers.

we would not be recommending that the United States start a new arms race, that is not something this commission would do

we're obviously not starting anything, we're playing catch up, and it's going to be a pretty tough job to catch up

Mr. Chairman, Representative Jacobs, we took into account the fact that our military leaders have said routinely that this strategic deterrent is the number one priority for them.

I don't think it would have changed any of our recommendations.

SLCM-N would achieve the objective that we set out.