We cannot continue to ask these young patriots to go out to sea in 40-year-old ships, living in conditions that were World War II vintage.

What are you specifically doing to get these permits increased so our people can get back to work?

I do not believe the notion of reducing spending arbitrarily to a 2008 level for this Department makes any sense.

I will not support a budget that reduces that number by 3,500.

It is irresponsible to take vital resources away from our most threatened area.

The Coast Guard is one of the five armed forces of the United States.

I am sympathetic to what Senator Lautenberg was saying relative to representing an area that is a significantly high-threat area.

we want to have an honest and open and transparent Government, which is always so important.

I hope we can avoid this, Madam Secretary, but the potential shutdown of the Government and what that might mean...

The question is, what is the most effective way to catch the bad guys? You know, is it with ship patrols? Is it with unmanned aircraft?

Improving the entry process for visitors to the United States I think is important.

Some of us are having difficulty understanding how it can be treated almost as a stepchild.

This is not a time to cut back on our homeland security.

I actually think this subcommittee is going to have to push hard to get this emergency funding in a supplemental.

Under my leadership, we will not go down that road.

Reducing funding for the Transportation Security Administration to levels before the Christmas Day bombing attempt would be reckless.

It is our responsibility.

I think we can rustle one up for you.