Secretary Gates, has DOD assessed whether the study of hypersonics is the most efficient use of resources in developing conventional military capability or is it merely to avoid counting toward the central limits in the New START?

At relatively low launcher numbers, Russia will take advantage of New START's lack of restrictions on MIRVing and MIRVed payloads.

I believe it is critically important that the United States maintain a modern and effective ICBM force.

What beneficial geopolitical developments have taken place in the interim that compel reductions in the United States nuclear arsenal down to 700 deployed strategic nuclear delivery vehicles?

I think this is an important discussion to have not only with respect to the merger in front of us...

There are many of us who are very concerned about the future of the industry, the impacts of this merger...

I have witnessed first-hand the changes that have occurred as a result of the Northwest/Delta merger...

if the same number of people want to travel, but there are less options available, all else equal, prices would rise.

I share a concern, too, with respect to the date next summer for withdrawal.

I'm concerned that the notion that we're going to be pulling down here in the not too distant future does shape the relationships.

What happens when we leave?

What my amendment does is present an alternative because the amendment under consideration that has been offered up by the Democratic majority here in the Senate adds almost $80 billion to the Federal debt, it raises taxes by $70 billion…

This is a very simple, straightforward question. That question is, Do we, the U.S. Senate, want to be on the record with regard to the issue of whether the EPA ought to move forward and try to regulate CO2 emissions under the Clean Air Act…

Mr. President, what is important is that everyone acknowledges, including the Obama administration, that moving forward with the EPA regulating CO2 emissions under the Clean Air Act would cause the economy to suffer. I want to quote…

We're dealing with unprecedented levels of deficit spending and debt. And when you hear stories like this----it doesn't do anything to bolster the public's confidence in their government and its ability to make sure that they are being…

There's no question that we face a lot of challenges, going forward, when it comes to addressing the changing terrorist threats.

I hope that--it seems, to me at least, that, given the excess cost for the current contract award, and the flaws in the solicitation process, that TSA ought to take a--undertake a fresh, independent review of this procurement, and report…

I think any additional regulation should be as focused as possible on fixing the problem at hand.

I think it is appropriate for Congress to respond with additional instruction for the auto industry that will protect consumers from this type of design flaw in the future.

Senator Udall has a bill that we actually think is a good approach.

And I do appreciate your holding today's hearing, and giving some examination to the legislation, and an opportunity for the stakeholders to all come and give us their views.

New regulations should not duplicate existing regulations, and auto manufacturers should have an appropriate amount of time to retool manufacturing lines and test new vehicle designs to comply with the new regulations.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I wish to speak for a few moments this morning about a subject that is on the minds of many Americans and I think should still be on the minds of everybody in this Chamber because the health care bill that was passed and signed into law…

Although British Petroleum is the responsible party for this oil spill, the Federal Government has the ultimate responsibility.