We cannot address the issue without addressing the problem, which is why we need to have a more robust air monitoring system across the Country.

Mercury is a dangerous air toxic, as we know, that persists and bioaccumulates in the environment long after its release.

From time to time, I say to my staff when we are dealing with a particular issue or challenge, I ask them to help make me or a committee or the Senate a guided missile, as opposed to an unguided missile.

I was a Naval flight officer stationed at Moffett Field, California. I used to occasionally travel on your systems.

Again, Senator Padilla, thanks so much for coming back.

I am grateful for her letting me be her wingman on this issue and others.

Given the dire financial situation, many air monitoring programs find themselves in it appears that additional Federal funding may well help to alleviate much, not all, but much of the strain that these agencies are facing.

We are proud of the work that we did.

It is really up to EPA as they modernize the system to identify what resources they need and come forward to Congress with that.

There are reasons why we are still concerned about reducing carbon emissions.

This legislation would upgrade and expand our Nation's outdated air quality monitoring networks.

I believe a series of votes have just started on the Senate floor.

Not every witness gets that opportunity. To our friends at GAO and to our Comptroller General, our best regards and thanks for all the good work that you and your colleagues do.

From your lips to God's ears.

We need to work together to address these health disparities and the impacts.

Our legislation fills in the gaps by establishing a first-ever National Mercury Monitoring Network.

I like to say everything I do I know I can do better, and the same is true with respect to the quality of the air that we breathe.

We look forward to it as well. Thank you so much for joining us today.