My only disappointment is in the stimulus package, the funding for the VA got cut.

I think they want to be part of that process, not after the fact.

I think they want to be part of that process in moving forward before the decision is made.

I do not want the VA to become an insurance agency, that is all you do is pass through.

I think that is a disincentive to help move forward on CBOCs.

Should we establish a process similar to the Base Realignment And Closure (BRAC) process?

We must take stock of our ocean resources and examine the ways we can continue to utilize the goods and services our ocean provides.

The oceans have been truly the lifeblood of Maine's economy.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for calling this hearing today to delve into the incredibly vital role the oceans play in our Nation's economy.

In Louisiana, the dead zone and so on has been a major conversation here, and we have made efforts concerning dead zones and hypoxia.

Ocean policy starts on land. It starts in St. Louis and the decisions that are made on the Mississippi River.

If we don't do that, everything else that we think matters about the ocean is over.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you very much for allowing me to go first.

If we are to really take a stand on protecting our oceans, we need to start with concern for the communities that are being impacted by the degradation of the oceans.

It is a very difficult and challenging time. There are so many things going on at the same time.

I appreciate the chairman bringing about the CADE strategy because that has been of concern to me.

I think not only about the dollars that we're going to bring in directly, but also about the deterrent effect.

I just want to associate myself with the chairman's last question to express concern about the need for more enforcement and education to deal with these scams.