I understand that if we were to put embarked military security on ships at certain points that there's a wider group of international associations that would be comfortable with that, but that's not what I'm talking about.

It's not necessarily best practices that we would define if we were looking at this from a different viewpoint in terms of putting armed security people on these ships.

Well, a defensive action of some sort emanating from the target has an impact on the people trying to take the target.

Hopefully, we'll come to a conclusion on that sometime in the next 10 days.

To me, it makes a tremendous amount of sense to get small groups of highly trained people to work in a synergistic fashion with the military.

We're obviously concerned about that, but principally concerned about American shipping.

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

I mean, this is not that old when Captain Phillips saved the Alabama.

I think there's going to be a more militarily oriented hearing next week on this as well.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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