We learned from this February's snowstorms that the Federal Government in fact cannot function without Metro.

Senators Dodd, Menendez, Mikulski, and I introduced The Public Transportation Safety Program Act that will require the Transportation Secretary to establish and implement a comprehensive Public Transportation Safety program.

I believe that the Federal Government has a clear financial interest in the operation of Metro.

I want to thank you for holding this very important hearing on the WMATA budget.

I applaud and support the administration's request of $150 million in fiscal year 2011 for Metro.

If the Federal Government increases its investment in the system, it should also increase its oversight of operations and capital projects, so as to ensure that tax dollars are being well spent.

I trust this strong demonstration of support will encourage Metro's three funding partners to continue to meet their responsibilities toward the system as well.

So, if we wanted to modernize, it would take additional revenue from either your Federal partners or other partners. Is that correct?

Well, I think that is an interesting insight.

We are not in lieu of what either Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia, the Virginia localities would contribute.

I think the biggest role of Congress is we are in the prevention business.

In other words, are you moving the backlog?

Your introduction of Senate bill 1506 on WMATA safety shows the dedication that needs to be given to this issue.

I am committed to working with my congressional colleagues, the Federal Transit Administration and the leadership at the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority to make safety an operational priority at Metro and restore public…

Sir, would you identify and would you agree that those are the top 10 things that need to be changed?

we all have to take ownership for the safety offices.

Safe and reliable operation of the Metro System is a top priority for me and the Greater Washington Area delegation.

I believe rail, whether it is heavy rail to move cargo in our corridors, whether it is--I will call it heavy rail, to move people in the Northeast Corridor, whether it is our MARC trains or the Virginia version of that, we need to have a…