Congresswoman, budgets are about priorities, and this administration has a different set of priorities than the last one.

To present a responsible budget that addresses the highest priorities, the President has recommended the elimination of numerous programs.

I find this unsettling, because it is the security of our economy and job system that makes our country the land of the American Dream.

Oh, absolutely, no question. But then you always have to apply that to over time, some places get hit three or four times over a decade.

Shouldn't we be reducing Federal spending and letting people keep more of their money?

A strong economy is critical to helping communities hit by natural disasters get back on their feet.

Let's have no illusion about the point of today's hearing. The majority has called this meeting for the sole purpose of condemning the oil and gas and petrochemical industry.

We need a safer storage location.

Gentlemen, you all have struck me as an excellent cross-section of reflective of the very best of American intellect.

I support these private investments by industry and by other organizations. An all-of-the-above energy strategy should be our path.

We should not call for radical proposals that end fossil fuel. We should be working internationally to bring American industry, ingenuity and standards to other countries.

Words have consequences and we owe the American people better rhetoric.

We will do so not because it is easy, but because it is hard.

We, as a government entity, at the local, State, and Federal level, have failed the American citizenry regarding the impact of disasters.

American industry leads the planet in clean, efficient, and safe operation.

I also express my support to the Subcommittee on investing in the safety and security of our nuclear waste repository.

Congressman Higgins, I have been living in my home since 1968. I have seen this much water fall, but I have never seen this much water rise.

I strongly urge the subcommittee to prioritize investments in our ports and waterways.