Angus King

Deterrence is complex, and it requires a deep understanding of the adversary.

I would agree with them that they do need more icebreaker, more capacity and capability out there.

It may be a source of livelihood, but it's a source of death up here.

As they say, it would behoove us to let there be no misunderstanding.

I don't understand calling somebody an ally who's--and having them produce these death-dealing substances.

Does deterrence work with North Korea? Are they concerned about the possibility of being obliterated if they attack?

There is a danger, particularly I am concerned, as is Senator Kaine, that we have ceded our congressional power over war-making to the executive.

The most successful foreign policy initiative in terms of peacekeeping has been our deterrent.

I think we are facing a more diverse and serious threat environment than we have faced in any of our adult lives.

The best way to do that paradoxically is to prepare for war.

I think your analysis is exactly right. Almost all wars in history are started from a miscalculation.

We're talking about reducing end strength and developing a situation where it's going to be very difficult to respond to a crisis.

Here we are, trying to fit the defense posture of this country, subsequent to all those events, within caps that were established five years ago.

The budget control caps were set in 2011.

We have learned in hearings over the past year of a growing anti-satellite capability.

A growing share of the work is to be done here.

But it is a nice capability.

You will certainly have it from myself and I think others because that is the next technological development.

I just want to be sure--for want of a nail, the shoe was lost.

I appreciate the effectiveness.

That system has been effective. Has it not?

Directed energy would be a lot cheaper, if it works, than sending a rocket up every time.

But, I think it would be helpful for us to see the overall picture of what it is that we're biting off, here.

One of the common questions I get in Maine, people are all concerned about the deficit and the debt that we're leaving our children.

Is there a timeline and a price tag on the overall nuclear modernization project?