It is important that we recognize our commitment to the growth and prosperity of small businesses and to the well-being of our Native Americans, including Alaska Natives.

And that is how I see things ought to be.

Eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in government contracting is not a partisan issue.

Women have answered the call and today serve our country alongside their male counterparts.

I am sure we would all agree that women veterans must have equal access to gender-specific and comprehensive health care and benefits as their male counterparts.

I salute the governor for doing so because I think that is a fundamental reform.

More secure drivers' licenses also have applications for prohibiting or making it more difficult for counterfeiting to take place.

some of the States that have protested the loudest are in fact close to compliance.

I felt so strongly that this undermines the security and the purpose of having a secure identification.

I want to make clear that I am not talking about irrational prejudices. I am not talking about profiling.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Governor, all of us are concerned about the looming deadline under the current law and the ability of States to comply with the law.

I think the burden of proof is shifting from the individual presenting himself at the airport...

I hate REAL ID, but I am going to invest.

I believe Logan in Boston is one of those airports that is using the technique.

If PASS ID was to pass and we have new implementing regulations, is there concern that the investments made by States who are seeking to comply with the law would be for naught?

I think you are creating a situation where that security official is going to feel he or she has no choice but to let the individual board the plane because you have now put that specific language in the bill, in the law.

Which is an excellent point, and it is the reason that we have gathered here today, but I do not want to leave the impression that there has been no progress in this area, that States are completely unable to make improvements in their…

I support many of the provisions of PASS ID, and I commend all of those, including my own staff, who have worked so hard to come up with a system that is less expensive, less burdensome to the States, and more protective of privacy…