Angus King

I said, so what do you do? How do you defend yourself?

What we saw in this country this fall...was an example of a Russian strategy that has been playing out in Europe.

You have stated here you have high confidence in those conclusions that the Russians were behind it, that it was intended to interfere with our elections, and that approval went to the highest levels of the Russian Government.

I think it is important to put some context around some of these discussions.

I think that is important, and I note that the republic is serious about preventing terrorism not only in their country but in the rest of the European Union.

It is critical, I think, to the continued blooming of democracy in that country.

We are all sensitive to terrorism and the issue that kind of open gates with immigration can present.

I think they also step back and realize that the 40 years of Russian and Soviet tyranny ruling their country prohibited them from practicing the very things--the private enterprise in a free economic society.

I know that they, too, would welcome the opportunity to have people that can work in the country.

The bilateral relationship between the Czech Republic and the United States is excellent.

It seems to me, though, that one of the things... is how to design these weapon systems in a... modular way...

The key word is 'incrementally,' not trying...

It seems to me there is a more--a deeper issue going on here, and it strikes me that it is our desire to have the latest and greatest new technology as soon as possible, and at the same time control costs and do it on time.

I would assert that that--those discussions should have taken place beforehand.

We have established, number one, a policy question, which is protecting the taxpayers and the students from abuse, no matter what the institution is.

It seems to me we--this has been a very illuminating hearing. I appreciate it.

Great. Thank you very much.

A yes or no question: Does NRO listen to you?

I just think it's interesting we're already well below your projection or the projection for 2030.

I just hope the evolution takes a little less time than the evolution of human beings.

I want to be sure I understand the full implications of that decision, not only on the victims' families, but also on other United States interests around the world.

We had a budget agreement, we had a number, and we still can't get it done.

What's really holding things up, as I understand it, are riders that have nothing to do with the budget, that have to do with policy preferences of various individuals.

I think we ought to be clear about what it is that's gotten us here.

To maintain a rigid budget structure in the light of those changes, it just seems to me is dumb.