We expect you to try to do what sometimes we're unable to do in this Congress, to reach a bipartisan conclusion.

This is the first hearing that we have had in the Senate in 7 years on mountaintop recoveries.

The Commission is supposed to be evenly divided politically, but instead, two of the independents, one was a former Republican, one turned Republican, that joined in the opinion.

Passage of this vaguely worded prohibition would be a giant step toward the Federalization of all crime.

I've just got to be perfectly open about this.

Unfortunately, the name of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, once renowned for its bipartisanship, scholarship, and presentation of hard facts, should be misused to oppose this critical legislation.

the opposition does not reflect a studied position backed by the agency's research.

We need the protections that the Matthew Shepard Act provides.

I think that changing or broadening the ability of the Federal Government to respond makes this more of a seamless approach between the Federal authorities and local authorities.

I strongly support this legislation.

I think we do need the presence of the Federal Government, and I thank you for your leadership on this issue.

We need to make sure that we get it done right.

I would encourage this committee to look into the safety measures that can be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.

We are going to have to take a look, make some hard decisions.

I want to once again extend my sincerest condolences to the families, friends and others who suffered losses during Monday's tragic Metrorail accident.

Coal is important to America. It is an important mineral that we have.

It is no coincidence that both our transportation and energy systems are simultaneously at a crossroads.

The bill that may be on the House floor tomorrow that deals with global climate change invests a great deal of resources in coal.