Robert Gates actually said...

Contract penalties for unmet milestones or premature failure in on-orbit performance will also apply.

Gates explains penalties for contractors failing to meet performance standards.

02/16/2011

More Robert Gates Quotes

The new system poses no threat to Russia.

I will preserve a position of advantage by maintaining and enhancing the current midcourse defense capability.

In February 2010, Romania agreed to host the land-based SM-3 Southern Europe site planned for deployment in Phase 2 (2015 timeframe).

I have made defending against near-term regional threats a top priority of our missile defense plans, programs, and capabilities.