Bill Nelson

I ask it for obvious reasons, because we are going to have our attention diverted to another part of the world.

I think we all ought to be aware, because your colleagues do not seem to be aware of that.

There is a DOD program decision memorandum, PDM, directing the cancellation of the joint simulation system program in the fiscal year 2004 budget

Needless to say, it is important that we have assured access to space.

I have just been told that that is being zeroed out in the fiscal year 2004 budget, which is hard for me to even imagine.

The National Guard must be a part of the plan to transform our military services and the command and control of the Department of Defense.

DOD should expand the authority of the National Guard Bureau within the Department of Defense to that of a separate entity.

The Army and Air National Guard are critical components of the Total Force and used in a much different manner than just 15 years ago.

Secretary Rumsfeld, what alternatives are DOD/JFCOM considering to meet the requirement for a simulation tool that supports joint training, joint experimentation, and joint program evaluation?

Secretary Rumsfeld, how will DOD/JFCOM support, and who will be responsible for a new joint simulation program in the fiscal year 2004 request?

Secretary Rumsfeld, Congress appropriated millions of dollars for JSIMS and its related Service programs in fiscal year 2003, how does DOD/JFCOM propose to use that funding now that they are all (with one exception) zeroed in the fiscal…

Secretary Rumsfeld, what is the current state of analysis and planning leading to creation of a Joint National Training Capability (JNTC)?

I believe we are making progress on this issue and I thank you for your efforts.

I appreciate the Department of Defense's efforts to date to investigate and declassify information on the Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD) and Project 112 chemical and biological testing.

If the Department of Veterans Affairs requests information from DOD necessary for adjudication of veterans' benefits claims, DOD would attempt to be responsive.

It is critical that the United States come clean on this issue and that our veterans who may have been exposed to dangerous chemicals in these tests are notified so that they can seek treatment.

Do you believe that nuclear-test-readiness should be shortened? What do you think is the appropriate time frame: 3 months, 6 months, a year?

Secretary Rumsfeld, the chairman of the Nuclear Weapons Council has established a panel to examine 'the risks associated with not testing our nuclear weapons.'

Secretary Rumsfeld, do you anticipate using the shuttle to meet DOD and Air Force space delivery requirements in the future?

Space-based radar (SBR) is a key element and will provide the capability to look deeply and persistently into areas that are inaccessible to current platforms.

The modernization investments we are making are to provide highly advanced space system capabilities.

Deployment of the Space-based Infrared Satellite (SBIRS)-High is key to enabling the transformational ability to defend the United States against ballistic missile attack.

Providing total space awareness and the ability to control all areas of space whenever necessary.

Secretary Rumsfeld, are the kinds of units that are in the various Reserve components the right ones?

Secretary Rumsfeld, the recent Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy has the Nation reassessing the value of space exploration, experimentation, and operations.