Barbara Mikulski

So you need more in fiscal year 2004 in some variation of coming up with a supplemental to implement this.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

We all feel the same way.

I think that is a fair request on your part.

We request that you take no action to stop, suspend, or terminate any contracts or employment in connection with the final servicing mission until this study is completed.

The red light is blinking. We're going to wait for your opinions and also the Academy on this.

And we're on the same broadband on that.

I suggest only a deep and rich study of the entire gain-risk equation can answer the questions of whether an extension of the life of the wonderful Hubble telescope is worth the risk.

So no matter what, because in the Gehman letter, he says this, the bottom line, says Admiral Gehman, shuttle risks are dangerous, and we should fly the minimum number necessary to complete mission.

What we want is, No. 1, implement what Gehman said he wanted studied.

First of all, that's a very constructive response, and I am going to thank you.

I wholeheartedly concur with the Gehman recommendations.

There are a lot of questions to be asked here, and I look forward to engaging in a conversation with you about this.

Let's make it clear I will stand up for the Hubble, but I will always place the priority of our astronauts first.

He says the life of the wonderful Hubble telescope is worth the risk.

He also says, that no matter what mission is undertaken by the astronauts on the shuttle there must be absolute compliance with the full implementation of the CAIB.

I want you to know that I absolutely agree with you that astronaut safety has to be our highest priority.

This is, I think, a major policy and funding decision that I believe we're ready to commit to today.

Count me as a skeptic.

I am sure my colleague from Maryland will have a few things to say about Hubble, but I know that world class science is being done, and can be done, for years to come with this famous telescope, and we should be sure that we are not giving…

Given the problems that we are having in the Nation, I don't think this is the time to be cutting back on that investment.

It is not an earmark, it is a Congressional investment and Congressional priority.

Senator Mikulski and I have some very strong views, and we are united in those views.

What I would like to know is, what are the consequences of some of these decisions, and then look at what we need to do.

I hear back home, we have a nursing shortage.