The rural electric programs are vital to the nation, and especially to my home state.

It is unfortunate we did not build more nuclear plants 20 years ago because it has turned out to be the most efficient, cleanest way we can produce it.

Our rural citizens are certainly not exempt from economic and financial hardships.

We are very pleased to see you here, pleased to see you willing to commit yourself to America's farmers and ranchers.

forced arbitration has been a concern of mine for some time; and I firmly believe that Congress must act in this instance to protect consumers.

It is a national security issue in many respects that I would like to get your response to.

I think this is the case in most states. I certainly do not plan to be in an automobile accident any time soon, knock on wood; and indeed I do everything in my power to avoid them.

We are far past the time for this system to be fully up and running. Our food safety system needs to be protected now, not somewhere down the road in the future.

I think this is the case in most states.

producers should not assume that the Federal Government will be there as an insurance policy if they continue to be unwilling to pay their premium.

it will be difficult, if not impossible, to convince Congress to provide economic support for producers should we have an animal disease outbreak if they are not participating in NAIS.

One of our indelible rights is the right to a jury trial. Guaranteed by the United States Constitution, this right has been gradually eroded through forced arbitration agreements.

Was not the JSF intended to complement the F-22, rather than replace the F-22?

it is my understanding that C-5 RERP is performing well, that Lockheed Martin is performing to cost and schedule, and that the Air Force has indicated that RERP meets or exceeds all key performance parameters specified by contract.

What concerns me about this budget is that I think we're giving up a capability that we're going to need.

it is my understanding that the recently released Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) study considered 36 alternative mixes and sizes for airlift and compared them both in cost and effectiveness with the program of record.

This is a 1-year decision and the real problem is the acquisition process.

Do you know of any analysis that went into arriving at that number?