the 2006 QDR made the decision to develop a follow-on bomber, and you have made clear that you support the development of a new bomber.

What are your views of this successful test of the Airborne Laser program, and do you think it marks the beginning of a revolution in military affairs?

The 2006 QDR had suggested, I think, fielding a new bomber by 2018.

What are the assumptions underlying what appears to be a substantial reduction in the number of bombers?

I'm concerned that the administration may not fully implement its Phased Adaptive plans for missile defense in Europe.

Long-range strike capabilities contribute to the Air-Sea battle concept by helping to eliminate or limit the effectiveness of adversary anti-access.

The new QDR directs the Navy and the Air Force to develop a new joint Air-Sea Battle concept for defeating adversaries.

We keep making more and more demands and resources get more and more constrained all the time.

General Cartwright indicated--and this is quick--that we run the risk of making the triad a diad if we go below 800 delivery vehicles in the follow-on START.

I appreciate the doubts that have been expressed by some about the concept of operations in an actual conflict.

what are the assumptions underlying what appears to be a substantial reduction in the number of bombers?

But why is it necessary to have another study?

Last September the Manchester Guardian reported that the President has rejected the Pentagon's first draft of the NPR as being too timid.

I'm interested in what your views are with regard to the activities by the Iranians to pursue some of these anti-access and area-denial strategies.

How do you believe these reductions would be apportioned between the B-52 and B-2, and at what level of reduction do you become nervous about the viability of the bomber leg of the triad?

I do think it's not only a national security issue, but it's also something that I think in terms of the economic security of the country is really critical.

I have long expressed the fear that it would be proposed by the administration in effect as a way to negotiate the bomber leg of the nuclear triad away.

individual Russian entities continue to provide assistance to Iran's ballistic missile programs.

I appreciate that. I think sometimes too, though, that it gives them an out, a convenient out, an excuse at some point in the future.

What's your view on this strategy by Iran, and how it would affect our ability to project power in the Middle East; specifically, in the Gulf of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz?

I am very interested in any concept that helps preserve and extend freedom of action in the PACOM AOR.

It seems to me at least that these directed energy type weapons have great potential to transform our future deterrence capability.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. General, Admiral, General, thank you very much for being here and thank you for your outstanding service to our country.

Do you plan on retiring any bomber aircraft in the near future?

This administration has attempted to make as clear as possible in the Missile Defense Review that it will do everything necessary to defend the U.S. Homeland.