So there is a balance that you have to achieve here.

Of course, but I can tell you that because we were not minding the store back in the 1980s and we started allowing American satellites to be launched on the Chinese launch vehicle, the Long March, significant American technology was…

Will NASA do that kind of balanced budgeting going forward rather than this constant pull as if there is a competition between the present and the future?

Under what appears to be going to be the number coming out of the NASA appropriations bill for commercial crew, $525 million, with a down select to two and a half competitors, when do you think that with $525 million -- what is the…

We believe that commercial is the way to do it in an efficient way to put people there to do the experiments.

It is true that some of the competitors are saying that they could go earlier.

Having commanded the International Space Station, I share with this committee an understanding of its great value to America and indeed to the world.

OK. If you all will check that and let us know.

How does the prohibition on regulation hamper your ability to discuss, plan, and propose future safety regulations for spaceflight passengers and crew?

So this is a very important time that we get it right and that the success that we have had thus far is quite promising.

I want to especially thank Senators Nelson and Hutchison for your tireless support over the many years.