the climate change is something you have got to put in your calculation and that the expenses of air quality at this level are, you know, when you actually begin trying to itemize them, it becomes enormous.

He is always looking at things from a different perspective, and you know, bringing to the surface things that might otherwise not be shared.

I just urge my colleagues to think about, when you make cuts, which of those 50 children would you choose to cut benefits from?

I am committed to being an active partner in conservation management and have a vested interest in the health and future of the recreational fishing industry and the marine resources.

According to NOAA's own data, there has never been a right whale strike by a pilot boat.

These women and men are the most skilled mariners in the world, and they know best the challenges of handling large commercial ships.

NOAA's proposal would also threaten safe navigation of large vessels in narrow offshore channels.

If NOAA's proposed changes are adopted, it will endanger pilots and pilot boat crews.

Pilot boats must approach large moving ships at speeds sufficient to provide a stable platform for the transfer.

The issue is not should these whales be protected, but rather are NOAA's proposed changes rooted in science and in practical application.

Are there better alternatives than essentially shutting down ocean commercial activity along the entire East Coast to commerce to protect the species? I sure hope so.

Without an adequate safety deviation clause, men and women will be unnecessarily put in dangerous situations that can threaten the navigational safety of the Federal navigational channels.

Safety is of paramount importance to my operation.

Without well managed and productive oceans, I don't have a job.

I view this issue as one where we don't have to pick a side, boats versus whales.

This Committee has an awful lot more to do on permitting.

Having lost sight of our objectives, we redoubled our efforts.

Mr. President, I was necessarily absent for rollcall vote No. 133, Confirmation of Darrel Papillion of LA to be U.S. District Judge. Had I been present for the vote, I would have voted yea. Mr. President, I was necessarily absent for…