Richard Blumenthal

We are voting at 4:30 p.m., and we also have a meeting of our full committee afterwards to talk about sequestration.

What will you do then in coming to us with the results of those more up-to-date analyses and the exercises that you have planned?

If I may, General, let me ask you about a related technology issue, and I think I may know the answer but I want to be sure we have it on the record.

Your estimates that you gave earlier about the reduction in costs are dependent on all of those allied purchases going through.

I have heard varying estimates about how long the software has been delayed.

The F-35 will form the backbone of U.S. air combat superiority for generations to come.

The F-35 Lightning II is the Department of Defense's (DOD) largest acquisition program, and its importance to our national security is immense.

Thank you very much, Senator Wicker. I look forward to working with you on this very important assignment.

We need better cooperation and transparency between the executive branch, DOD, and Congress in order to ensure all parties fully understand our national security challenges.

There is no question that there are difficult days ahead for our modernization objectives as we continue to develop these programs.

I conclude by observing that national defense is solely a Federal responsibility, but it requires assistance from all levels of government and civilian industry.

I would ask both of you to support the legislation that Senator Markey and I have introduced.

And defects are supposed to be reported, correct?

Thank you both for being here, Mr. Friedman and General Scovel.

Support the measure that Senator Markey and I have proposed that would improve the system of safety accountability going forward.

Senator, if I had any data, any incidents where with just the key or the key and the ring there was any risk, I would ground these vehicles across the country.

Thank you, Madam Chairman, and thank you for committing to continue these hearings.

Is it your testimony here today that those cars are as safe as any other car on the road today?

I think it is pretty much incontrovertible that GM knew about this lethal safety defect, failed to correct it, and failed to tell its customers about it.

I have enormous admiration and respect for your career, what you have accomplished, and the leadership that you have provided to GM.

If I came to you with the death of a young woman, who went to school not far from here, who was driving one of these cars unrepaired and was killed when her airbag was disabled because of this defect, would it change your view?

And would you commit to providing documents that support that analysis, any documents in connection with that analysis?

So the added risk, if you have only the ignition key, of driving that car on the road is zero?

Warn drivers who are currently behind the wheel of those cars that they should not drive them until they are repaired because they are unsafe.

It is your testimony today that it was a defect?