Mr. Chairman, I join with my colleagues in welcoming Secretary Richardson to this afternoon's joint hearing on Title 23 of the National Defense Authorization Act.

I know that there is some concern that the Administration may not be implementing the full provision of this law as quickly as it should. This hearing should clarify some of those issues.

But I think it is important to keep in mind that old saying, "haste makes waste."

In this case, the Congress, has mandated a major change to the way we handle our nuclear weapons, by requiring the formation of a National Nuclear Security Administration.

The Secretary has stated that he will obey the law. I think it is important that, in changing anything which concerns the stewardship of our nuclear weapons, we proceed with deliberate care. I believe that the Administration has some legitimate concerns. In particular, I wonder if establishing a separate counter- intelligence office really improves the security of our nuclear weapons labs.

We should not politicize the debate over the National Nuclear Security Administration. Government works best when we work together for the good of the country, not as Democrats and as Republicans, leaving partisanship behind. The reorganization plan required by Congress is extremely complicated. It goes to the heart of our nation's security. I urge my colleagues to give the Administration time to implement the law with due care.