I think there's going to be a more militarily oriented hearing next week on this as well.

I have some legislation that is before the House Finance Committee. We are going to have hearings in May on that legislation that would address that situation.

Had we in fact closed Metro that day, I think we would still be in gridlock in this region.

We also need to understand how we can move to extend Metrorail service in our region.

Though many may not be familiar with the acronym WMATA, it is absolutely essential to the operations of the Federal Government.

For the past 8 years, we have had to work with an administration that appeared to be ideologically opposed to funding extensions to transit systems.

It is scandalous that the Federal Government provides a pittance for transit service to the national capital region.

With a new administration and a pending transportation authorization bill, I believe that we can jump start extensions to transit service here in the national capital region.

I am pleased to assure my colleague, in the Dulles corridor, we completely re-did the re-zoning at high end density so that it will be a transit-oriented development corridor.

My view is we should have Federal voting representation so long as Federal funds are flowing.

I know my time is up, Mr. Chairman, but I can't help but observe on the tragedy of 9/11...

I have introduced legislation, Mr. Chairman, to authorize transit extensions in the Orange, Blue, Yellow and Purple line corridors.

I was a big advocate for, thinking it was a great first step and a great way to have a beta test of a new, fairly unrestricted pot of money

I do hope that we will continue to make the case that our current transportation funding sources at the Federal or the State level are basically bankrupt.

I recognize the constraints you are under, but we have to continue making the case that there needs to be additional funding.

I really do hope we take this opportunity to think beyond the silos within your Department.

I appreciate that, Mr. Chairman, and let me, first of all, welcome the whole panel and say congratulations on your nominations and hopefully your speedy approvals.

The developed countries under the Kyoto Protocol have specific obligations.