I am optimistic that we should be able to use that framework to move forward with legislation that cannot only pass this Committee but can pass the U.S. Senate and House, to be signed by President Obama.

I would not want to see us pass legislation that would prevent our State from protecting our citizens.

We have a responsibility to pass a framework to protect the public from these toxins.

the backlog on repairs of our bridges and highways is close to $3 trillion.

As President Obama noted in his recent climate action plan, we have a moral obligation to leave our children a healthier planet.

This is a tremendously important topic.

Helping the East Asia-Pacific region address environmental challenges is essential for preventing future conflicts and instability.

the relationship between the United States and Vietnam has gotten much stronger in the last decade.

I would just point out that some of us are prepared to make the tough decisions so that we have the revenues necessary to do what is right for this Country.

There are these moments when countries like Myanmar or Namibia or Nepal change governments and things happen, where shame on us if we do not provide the right technical assistance at the right moment.

I think it would be helpful if you could perhaps give us help as to what should be on our wish list as they manage the resources of their country, things that we should try to promote, which might be useful.

The good news about the Helsinki framework is that it is not that intimidating because it is a consensus group.

The jury is obviously out on what is happening in that country, but it is a country that is struggling with civilian leadership--and whether it will survive--we will see.

I found this with Vietnam and now perhaps with Myanmar--that they really do want to become more of a legitimate international player.

So we have talked about China, we have talked about Myanmar, we have talked about the countries along the Mekong.

I think your testimony has been extremely helpful to our debate.

I think the second thing is the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

we need help on transit projects.