Richard Blumenthal actually said...

"submarine forces provide assurance, deterrence, and valuable contributions to the forward defense of the United States."

"When it strikes you as odd, I assume that 'odd'--and it is a very well chosen word--may be a euphemism for strange or unnecessary or invasive, unacceptable."

"So you would say that the commitment of our military, our Defense Department, and our strategic planners is undiluted when it comes to the Ohio-class replacement."

"I think there is no other way to put it."