questions. we have met the concerns about modernizing our nuclear stockpile with concrete budget numbers. it is time for us to go ahead and get it done. my hope is that we will do so. there's no other reason, not to do it than the fact that you know, washington has become a very partisan place. this is a classic area where we have to rise above partisanship. nobody is going to score points in the 12 -- 2012 election around this issue. but it is something we should be doing because it helps keep america safe. my expectation is that my republican friends in the senate will ultimately conclude that it makes sense for us to do this. karen deion?