Mike Levin: “The suggestion of the Senator from Pennsylvania that some $170 million be added for some modification in the President's…”

“The suggestion of the Senator from Pennsylvania that some $170 million be added for some modification in the President's new budget proposal is proof of the fact that the analysis is necessary because what the Senator is proposing is different now from the administration's budget amendment. That is how fast these things change. That is point No. 1. It seems to me what Senator Santorum is arguing is exact evidence of the fact that we need to complete the analysis which was truncated. My second opinion: This is not a unilateral decision by the administration. No expenditure of funds is unilateral. There is a House of Representatives. There is a Senate. The House of Representatives has decided on a certain source of action, and in that course of action, they do not want this contract canceled. We have to go to conference with whatever we do. This is not just a decision that has been made and it is over. They should have had the analysis before they made the decision. They did not. We should still have the analysis before we decide what is the next course for these Future Combat Systems. It is just possible at least--possible--that when the analysis that was terminated prematurely is completed, that actually might affect the administration's plans.”