David Vitter

My point is simply this. You have three opinions. They are all basically about activity that the President wanted as reflected by his budget submission.

I would, in fact, argue that there are those within NASA's senior management who have done everything within their power to thwart the will of Congress.

I consider it an immediate and useful test because it should not be difficult, particularly considering the President's leverage.

This should be a simple task if we really all want to accomplish it.

It should be easy to all agree on clarifying language saying that anything from that 2010 Appropriations Act inconsistent with the new 2010 Authorization Act will have no force and effect.

I hope to God that changes, and I hope to God I am wrong.

I think the almost certain next step, in terms of funding, is going to be another CR for some length of time.

I find the fact that NASA is now claiming that it cannot currently move forward with the development of the Space Launch System prescribed in the Authorization Act because it cannot terminate existing Constellation programs particularly…

I think the Administration could be doing a whole lot more implementing the vision of the new authorization bill if it were really committed to do that.

I think we are going to have another CR.

I hope that we can have a forthright and open dialogue, and I'd like to place particular emphasis on those words.

I really think pointing to that language and justifying a lot of inactivity so far on that--I am not saying that language is irrelevant, but I really think it is largely an excuse.

I intend to speak quite frankly and quite harshly.

What I disagree with is that the flood insurance program, acting as if a system which may be below, say, a 100-year level, doesn't exist.

I don't think it is fair to take the current FEMA and Corps position that a levee system that is a meaningful system but doesn't match the new 100-year whatever requirements are treated as if it doesn't exist for purposes of flood…

The safest levee is the one that is never built.

I would encourage all of us to push the Corps and the Administration.

We think it is sound. We think it is the right path forward for the Nation.

We think this is a sound plan that needs to move forward.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thanks to all of you again for great testimony.

Nobody has learned more about levee safety than folks in Louisiana for obvious reasons.

Administration after Administration--whether it is Republican or Democrat--basically won't touch much of that money as really a game to mask the budget deficit.

And what would you describe that activity as?

Is there any particular reason you did not put that in the summary?

The reason I am asking--and I know you are aware of this--is I asked you about this in Baton Rouge in August 2009.