I was able to jump in with a question about whether Larry would support an increased attack submarine buy rate (as is included in the current version of the 2008 Defense Authorization Act, over the Navy's objections); here's what Larry said in response:
I would be supportive of the stepped up schedule for the production of the Virginia Class subs. Senator Jack Reed and I entered Congress the same year. Jack is a couple of years younger than me but we're the same height and many people used to confuse us.... in the early days. We became friends because we were both US Army vets. I value his opinion on matters dealing with the armed services and I think he is on the right track here. Yes, I'm concerned about how we pay for larger weapons systems but we have put a great deal of emphasis on land based forces and we have neglected other areas. It looks like the House and Senate are on the right track here. (I do recognize that Rhode Island has a lot to gain from this acceleration but so does the nation and our defense.)Sounds pretty promising. You can read the rest of the liveblog questions and answers here.
