I think one of the reasons that this hearing is so important is the size of our contractor footprint overseas.

But their abuse poses a serious and growing threat to our communities and young people.

According to the CDC, drug-related poisonings are now the leading cause of death due to unintentional injuries in my home State of Rhode Island and in 16 other States, greater even than motor vehicle accidents.

Used properly, under a physician's direction, pain relievers and other prescription drugs bring much-needed comfort to Americans.

We appear to need to better coordinate our law enforcement resources.

We are certainly interested in that in Rhode Island because, as you know, we are one of the top e-prescribing States in the country.

The hearing will come to order. This morning's hearing considers a topic that is extremely important to the health and safety of our kids, of our families, and of our communities, and that is, 'Responding to the Prescription Drug Epidemic…

Can I ask a final question before I recognize the ranking member, and that is, it's called the Priority Watershed and Job Stabilization program.

Both Senator Murkowski and I have indicated the challenge this poses to our budget.

there are some communities that are still suffering grievously--unemployment rates about 10 or 11 percent.

Well, obviously, we look forward to working with you.

no program, I think, is sacred.

We are in an economic downturn and the question that a lot of Rhode Island transit officials ask me about is not capital, but operating relief.

The idea is to really--our sole focus here is preserving service, especially given what is happening with gas prices.

This is no longer a rail, northeast, urban issue. This is a national issue that touches every aspect of America.

Given the devastating impacts to wildlife from the Deep Water Horizon oil spill, it seems very timely for the Congress to pass legislation to permanently fund the LWCF at $900 million.

General Johns, have you decided which C-5A aircraft you want to retire, and which units will be losing aircraft without replacement by C-17s if you have to maintain 316 aircraft?

General Johns, C-5B aircraft will be unavailable for nearly a year in the Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP) modification, which continues through 2015.