How will we assess whether the new strategy is working? How will we know if we're winning?

I am honored to support Karen Mills' nomination to be the next Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

I appreciate that, because in just talking to some Maine bankers yesterday, they were indicating that some of these initiatives will be truly effective and crucial and helpful to small businesses.

I think that women are going to be leading the way.

Unfortunately, we haven't been able to reach a consensus in Congress on how to address that issue.

It would be useful for you to look at that proposal, the Small Business Health Options Program Act, or SHOP Act.

I want to thank you, Madam Chair, for certainly handling this nomination in such an expeditious fashion

And when you talk about one of your three goals, which are absolutely right on target, to work across agencies, this is one area where you truly can, because they are required to meet a statutory goal, and repeatedly the agencies have…

It is really crucial that we address that as part of it, and particularly during the course of this recession.

I strongly advise that you ensure these provisions are implemented very quickly, because I don't think that we can afford an economic vacuum when it comes to small businesses who already, as you well know, are shuttering their doors all…

It is crucial that the question as to whether or not it would be possible in the numerous stimulus programs benefit small businesses and so we must ensure that there is through oversight.

the reality was that the data was all smoke and mirrors

I join the Chairman in welcoming Jane Holl Lute to our Committee today as we consider her nomination to be Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

The Deputy Secretary of DHS wields considerable power over the day-to-day operations of the Department.

It took most of a year. We did several hearings, issued a report with recommendations for all levels of government.

So when you became aware of the extent of corruption and fraud, what actions did you take?

there are no options, essentially, in many of these States.

obviously it was a very convenient sample for the insurance company, but a raw deal for consumers.