Political Quotes

“on several occasions I have discussed missile defense programs and the importance of moving as quickly as possible to develop and deploy missile defense systems--both theater and national--to protect forces that are deployed around the world and our citizens here at home. Of all the programs designated as ``Major Defense Acquisition Programs'' by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, only the Airborne Laser program has distinguished itself by being on schedule and on budget while meeting or exceeding all of its technical requirements. The spectacular performance of this program is the standard all defense programs should aspire to. Our debates on defense programs usually focus on budgets, schedules, performance, requirements, and threats, but seldom do we pause to recognize success; more specifically, we hardly ever acknowledge the human component of success. The many accomplishments of the Airborne Laser program did not just happen by accident. Rather, the program has succeeded because of the human element; because of the many people who, over the course of the last three decades, have advanced our science and engineering to the point where the United States will be able to put chemical lasers on 747 aircraft and use them to defend America, its interests, and its deployed forces.”