Well, I think with all exceptions on this contracting, go to 2007, the only area where we have achieved it was small disadvantaged businesses at this point.

I think that it is key to be at the front end of it to identify those opportunities and not when it is too late.

We are asking today that the Committee move expeditiously to pass the legislation drafted last year by Senators Kerry and Snowe as an amendment to the DoD Authorization Bill.

I appreciate the suggestions you have made about how each agency should account for how the stimulus dollars are spent.

We need more PCRs, without question, to look at and review these contracts, these bundled contracts, and unbundling them, because that is a huge issue.

So we want to see that steady increase keep going and not plateau until it is at or above the 23 percent.

Because it is critical that we do it now because of this number, before it is too late.

Well, if I was running a small business, what would be the first step?

So you expect that, through the stimulus work, that you can survive this year?

Unfortunately, they have been cut significantly.

Unfortunately, there has not been a great track record by the Small Business Administration in the years because of not enough personnel to review these contracts and to make sure that they are living up to the obligations and living up to…

I continue to be concerned about the lack of alignment between the branches' funding timelines.

Can you assure us that you will work with the Maine Congressional Delegation to ensure that these facilities are constructed making the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars?

We need more emphasis on military construction to properly modernize and maintain the industrial infrastructure to support our military in the 21st century.

the results of the census be accurate, objective, credible, and free from even the appearance of political influence.

The Constitution clearly requires the government to conduct an actual enumeration of the population every 10 years.

the results of the census significantly affect both the allocation of Federal resources and political power ultimately.

I believe transparency is a very powerful antidote to attempts for partisan influence.