Obama Admin Faulted for Missile Timing

The decision was a disgrace , the timing just pathetic:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration came under fire from U.S. lawmakers on Thursday for surprising Congress and American allies with its decision to drastically alter European missile defense plans.

In the first congressional hearing on the move, Pentagon policy chief Michele Flournoy said that the administration rushed its public announcement of the overhaul because details were beginning to leak out.

Lawmakers said they resented first hearing of the decision last week in news reports that ran before they were briefed by the administration. NATO allies were informed in the middle of the night before the announcement, they added.

''I am appalled at the poor communication and consultation with our allies that clearly could have been done in a far better way,'' Republican Susan Collins said at the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.

''We too would have preferred a longer period for consultation and rollout, but leaks and speculation in the press sort of forced us to go sooner to set the record straight,'' Flournoy said.

Ready Day One!