Congress says, we're building this bridge or funding that defense project, and they cost this much.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney,

Legend has it that ancient Rome was spared a devastating invasion by the courage and skill of a great warrior named Horatius, whose singlehanded defense of a bridge kept the enemy hordes at bay.

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The government also regained control of the main bridge leading into the city, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

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As we do, we'll continue to communicate with the Russians about how we can extend our cooperation on missile defense and how we can bridge those differences, making clear that we have, again, a commitment to the security of the American people and the security of our NATO allies.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

It does, however, make the odds against his successful defense of American interests a bit less like those faced by Horatius at the bridge, if not yet the "sure thing" the merits of the case ought to dictate.

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