mr. babin: there's been no revelations or findings during the investigation of any individual or individuals culprits responsible for the damage done to the other two trains as well? have we found out anything in that regard. >> no, we do not have any information in that regard. mr. babin: would any other panelist like to address the possibility of damage to the windshield? >> i think we have from time to time have people throw rocks at our trains. but what's the specific question sir, in terms of -- mr. babin: i have family that lives in manhattan and they ride this train. i've ridden the train several times along the same corridor, and i've remarked to myself and to others that there's certainly a lot of availability or the possibility of vandalism, somebody pitching something over on to a train or firing a weapon or whatever. and i just wonder if there's been any -- besides the investigation ongoing now has there been any addressing of this possibility by ntsb or any of the other of your age

granted to larry babin of -- my military fellow who is also a major in the army during the pendency of the national defense authorization act. the presiding officer: without objection. mr blumenthal: thank you mr. president. the task before the senate in the national defense authorization act is nothing less than to craft a sustainable long-term strategy to defend america. in fact, it is to sustain our global leadership in a time of shifting alliances, significant challenges emerging threats while bringing a long-term balance and sustainability to our military. this defense measure is a solid start, but it must be made stronger to better meet the needs of our military men and women and our nation, as we enter this supremely perilous time. the danger to america has never been greater. our foes have never been more insidious and pernicious, and many of the states opposing us have never been more willing to take measures that fundamentally contravene not only our security but our sense of moral right and wrong. and so i approach the national defense authorization act with this principle in mind. neither the united states nor our troops nor anyone involved in our national