Sheldon Whitehouse actually said...

"I very much hope that, as we proceed with the initiative, Mr. Chairman, that we make oceans and coasts a significant part of this."

"No, we have not and we'll probably hold, it's the chairman's call, not mine, on pursuing further measures to try to get that information until we've had their explanation."

"Too early to tell, but I think it is important that the defenses be up so that you can tell when it happens and you can forestall it when it begins."

"I think they are probably trying to find a decent way to back off and I think also, they know this is a sparkly object that the media will chase."