The reason that was done is because modernization was such an important issue to getting that treaty through the U.S. Senate because modernization is very, very important for our nuclear program.

The 2013 budget request underfunds the commitment made that was expressly made in conjunction with the ratification of the START treaty by over $4 billion over the next 5 years.

Would that not be a broken promise from what was required by the 2010 NDAA and what was specifically contained within the 1251 plan?

I fully commit to supporting that critical program.

Do you believe a strong and dependable U.S. nuclear deterrent also helps prevent nuclear proliferation around the world?

$60 billion of U.S. contracting funds had been wasted, misspent, or went in the wrong hands in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I am also concerned that if we do not modernize in the way that I believe the President made a commitment in the confirmation of the New START treaty that it will be to the detriment of our nuclear deterrent and also in my view could…

I have sent a letter to the President expressing my concerns in following up on the New START treaty.

I believe we should minimize using cost-plus contracts to procure major weapons systems.

Please let me know, as you go forward, what I can do to support their excellent efforts.

So crazy that nobody would ever do it.

This is an issue that has to be addressed right away, and it is my hope that on a bipartisan basis, that we will put aside the election-year politics and get this resolved on behalf of all the men and women who serve underneath all of you…