I just want to emphasize that a veto threat does not scare me at all on a highway bill, number one.

So, first of all, the $247 billion, 6-year bill is inadequate. We're going to be way above that when we get through.

I guess I'm just saying, just put a billion bucks into this planning, it looks to me like it'd be better to cut that way back and put a lot more of it into actual construction or ready-to-go projects.

I want to commend my good friend John Breaux for holding this hearing today in his new capacity as Chairman of this Subcommittee.

It is important. We have this board in place. It is bipartisan, and I am glad we have gotten it cleared.

I appreciate that we were able to get these cleared.

I hope we do not just refuse to move any nomination at this point.

I certainly support this legislation. It has broad support across the country.

It is a bill whose time has come.

I predict this bill will become law.

Mr. Chief Justice, our Senate family grieves today and our hearts are heavy as a result of the tragic loss of Scott Bates.

He was an example of public service at its finest, never claiming the spotlight, never seeking a headline, but always working for the good of this institution and for the country we are here to serve.