and i think mr. aikin recognizes that. and the problem with this amendment by fencing the money and creating the possibility that we will not, in fact, buy half of the f-35s, it sends a message that it is possible that we will not ultimately support the program. and the reason that's a problem is another aspect of this program is we have a number of foreign partners. i'm sure everybody on this committee has been reading about some of the partners' angst about the future of the f-35. we want them to buy it, because if they don't, our costs will go up. and if they see us stepping back in this way, there is a distinct risk that they will reduce or delay or in some cases completely eliminate their buys and cause further problems for the program. so there is considerable risk in that. the second thing that is worth noting is what is being asked here for is the department of defense to set an initial operating capability date. now the department of defense has said that they intend to set such a date for the f-35 for all three v