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

Mr. President, on May 23, 2011, due to my daughter's college graduation, I was absent for vote No. 75, a motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 1038, the USA PATRIOT Sunset Extension Act of 2011. Had I been present, I…

I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, while I support the underlying bill, I rise in opposition to language in the National Defense Authorization Act that exempts the Department of Defense from section 526 of the Energy…

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I first want to begin by thanking Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith, as well as the chairman of my subcommittee, the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, Chairman Mac Thornberry, for…

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

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.

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

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…

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.

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

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.

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

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

no program, I think, is sacred.

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

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

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.

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