John Tierney: “He said that it would be sometime in the 2004 time frame before all elements of the missile defense system could be…”

“He said that it would be sometime in the 2004 time frame before all elements of the missile defense system could be tested together and then we can make a decision on whether to fully put it on full alert. He said that we are going to be working on simulations and hypothetical data. So when do we begin to learn? As Ernest Fitzgerald, Air Force financial analyst used to tell us, there are only two phases of a weapons program: too early to tell and too late to stop. Mr. Chairman, this is the time for us to stop on the procurement and proceed with the R&D. We have other needs. One of those is the TRICARE senior pharmacy program while the R&D continues.”