I want to thank you particularly for keeping our regional delegation focused on the importance of Metro.

I don't mind being associated with Metro, I'm a big supporter of the Transit Authority.

I strongly support President Obama's budget that adds $150 million this year to the Metro funding for fiscal year 2011.

I strongly support the legislation that Senator Mikulski has been involved with that would give the FTA the authority to set up safety standards for our transit system.

The Washington, DC area ranks second-worst in the United States as far as traffic congestion is concerned.

It is critically important. And I want to thank the appropriators for making those funds available.

I, like Senator Inhofe, am a big spender when it comes to fulfilling our major responsibilities in defense and transportation.

We are missing out on the full extent of those opportunities because we are operating off a bill that under-funds yesterday's priorities.

I would love nothing better than to be able to work with my colleagues to frame the infrastructure development for the future.

We need a blueprint for improving and investing in our Nation's transportation system.

I hope we will take advantage of this to focus on where we can create jobs, create the type of infrastructure, but also create the livable communities that are so important to Americans.

Madam President, I take this time to first thank the Democratic leadership for bringing forward a bill that would extend unemployment insurance; COBRA protection, which allows the unemployed to get health insurance; to extend our highway…

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak using the majority time in morning business. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the vote on the confirmation of the nominee occur at 2:15 p.m. and that postcloture time be considered expired at that time; that upon confirmation, the motion to reconsider be considered made…

We are working on having that faith verified.

DOD has a critical shortage of mental healthcare professionals.

Madam President, I come to the floor of the Senate to say to my colleague from Kentucky: Let the unemployment bill go. Let's free the unemployment compensation bill, the bill that will fund COBRA health insurance benefits and put people…

I think we have to solve the question of, How does the Defense Department cover its needs in solid rockets if NASA goes ahead with what I consider to be a very ill-considered decision on the part of the President?