The way that they resolve a lot of these issues--it may not be the way that we do, but it's very effective in terms of fairness and stability in their society.

Seems to me that the implicit assumption in this legislation, at least the way we're measuring output, is that human trafficking is best addressed by country-based programs.

I am getting increasingly disturbed from stories that I hear about even babies being harmed.

Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this oversight hearing on the Small Business Administration's Native 8(a) program.

directing [the] purchasing power [of the Federal Government] to accomplish social goals such as assisting disadvantaged members of society is well established

it is Native groups' common trust relationship with the United States that allow[s] the Congress to legislate unique benefits and treatment for the Native Americans

One of the things that we've recognized is that, looking back over the last decade, cumulatively, the amount of money that the United States has spent on this fight is about equal to a little bit less than a month of what we spend on the…

unfortunately, . this public policy goal has not been achieved with respect to the participation of businesses owned by [N]ative Americans

Well, that's what we're trying to do, trying to break through the inertia.

Earlier this year, I introduced, along with Senators Burr, Cardin, and Scott Brown, a bill called the Child Protection Compact Act, or CPCA.

I think that we are kidding ourselves if we believe that additional revenues are not needed.

Thank you very much.

I am going to put my opening statement in the record and hope that each Senator who arrives will do the same because we really want to get to talk to you and get some of your ideas.

Surface transportation improvements create jobs in the construction industry, which has been especially hard hit by the economic downturn.

What I am very interested in doing... is the notion of using TIFIA because it is a current program to fast-forward these projects.

One of the most effective, far-reaching ways to create jobs and get the economy back on track is to fix the nation's outdated infrastructure.

I couldn't agree with you more on the need to move and the need for certainty.

We are working across party lines both here, I am working with Senator Inhofe and the Subcommittee Chairs and Ranking Members we call the Big Four to craft a transportation bill that we feel will be adequate to the needs of the country.