this is so clear, I think to everyone, that we all have an inherent right to self-defense in international waters.

Though many may not be familiar with the acronym WMATA, it is absolutely essential to the operations of the Federal Government.

With a new administration and a pending transportation authorization bill, I believe that we can jump start extensions to transit service here in the national capital region.

For the past 8 years, we have had to work with an administration that appeared to be ideologically opposed to funding extensions to transit systems.

We also need to understand how we can move to extend Metrorail service in our region.

I have introduced legislation, Mr. Chairman, to authorize transit extensions in the Orange, Blue, Yellow and Purple line corridors.

I am pleased to assure my colleague, in the Dulles corridor, we completely re-did the re-zoning at high end density so that it will be a transit-oriented development corridor.

My view is we should have Federal voting representation so long as Federal funds are flowing.

I know my time is up, Mr. Chairman, but I can't help but observe on the tragedy of 9/11...

I have some legislation that is before the House Finance Committee. We are going to have hearings in May on that legislation that would address that situation.

It is scandalous that the Federal Government provides a pittance for transit service to the national capital region.

Had we in fact closed Metro that day, I think we would still be in gridlock in this region.

I really do hope we take this opportunity to think beyond the silos within your Department.

I do hope that we will continue to make the case that our current transportation funding sources at the Federal or the State level are basically bankrupt.

I recognize the constraints you are under, but we have to continue making the case that there needs to be additional funding.

I was a big advocate for, thinking it was a great first step and a great way to have a beta test of a new, fairly unrestricted pot of money

I appreciate that, Mr. Chairman, and let me, first of all, welcome the whole panel and say congratulations on your nominations and hopefully your speedy approvals.

The bureaucracy that would come out of last year's bill was--it looked like something you would get out of the old Soviet Union.