David Vitter

This investment is important for the safety and security of nuclear weapons, what we have now.

I was extremely pleased to learn that the Air Force made a budget request in fiscal year 2010 to recertify the Barksdale weapons storage area (WSA), and Congress ultimately appropriated $77 million for the project.

Leadership was an essential element in inspiring people to feel they are doing important work and are valued for it.

The Air Force recognizes that a robust long-range strike capability is essential to strategic deterrence

We increased the reliability to ensure that we would stay very far away from ever having to conduct an underground test.

The NPR constrains our the ability to design new weapons and exercise the scientific capabilities necessary for the development of even safer and more secure weapons.

The United States will continue to assure allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to their security.

Forward deployed nuclear weapons in Europe represent a longstanding military and political commitment to the defense of Europe and our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies.

The 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) made the decision to develop a follow-on bomber

We absolutely have to have this sustained period of investment for that to be even under consideration.

The food and the Saints' Superbowl win helps, too.

That review sure as heck should be based on sound science and not just a New York Times article that uses politicized science from an environmental group.

Assuming REACH is the wave of the future is entirely premature and could actually impair human safety by preventing critical products, helpful products in terms of safety from entering the marketplace.

A European registration evaluation authorization of chemical substances, a REACH-style program, I think would likely kill innovation in the U.S. and is a real recipe for ham stringing small and medium sized manufacturers in particular.

If the EPA decides to use any given study as a reason for limiting of terminating the use of a certain chemical, the results of that study need to be repeatable and proven in further supporting studies.

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is great to see you back, and thank you for this hearing.

Mr. Podonsky and Mr. Aloise, does the notion that the secure transport force has to transport nuclear materials across State lines and in an inherently mobile fashion constitute any rationale for requiring that they have full Federal…

Mr. Podonsky, has the Department fully estimated the cost implications of doing so, and if so, what is the estimated unbudgeted cost, and if not, when will you be able to provide those costs to Congress?

The lack of clear, uniform, and realistic guidance and policy from DOE to the various contractors who manage the protective forces that is at the root of the problems.

Mr. Podonsky, in the event of a potential future strike at one or more SNM I sites...

Mr. Podonsky, does the DOE intend to pursue the implementation of all 29 recommendations cited in the June 2009 report on Enhanced Career Longevity and Retirement Options for DOE protective forces personnel?

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the NNSA to develop a comprehensive, Department of Energy (DOE)-wide plan to identify and implement the recommendations of…

I was troubled to hear that one issue unaddressed in the report may be that some within the protective force are not taking advantage and/or using the employer contributing vehicles to save for their retirement.

Mr. Podonsky and Mr. Aloise, are the salaries and benefits of the protective force competitive?

Mr. Podonsky, what is the anticipated timeline for implementing those recommendations the Department has already agreed to apply?