The Department of Commerce plays a vital role in our Federal Government and is in dire need of a leader to oversee the programs and agencies that are in distress.

This is a sizable sum with our budget, considering the funding constraints that the Federal Government faces.

The talk is over. Now it is time for action.

The Nation relies heavily on the Department of Commerce to maintain America's competitiveness within the markets around the world.

I would have trouble, Madam Chairwoman, supporting a budget that is poised to eliminate a real manned space program, and instead maintains the fantasy of one.

We may be the leader in manned space flight today, but the eventual ramifications of this budget, as I understand it, has the potential to ensure that this lead will end, perhaps forever.

We will not make any payments to those partnership organizations.

But you are going to have to get your arms around those costs there because ultimately, as Senator Mikulski has pointed out, you come back up here to the committee and we have trouble finding money if the costs keep going up and up in not…

Safe and sustainable seafood is vital to the U.S. economy, food security, and our livelihood.

The system is broken. There is no doubt about it.

If you look at your budget, Nancy, it shows an increase of about $2 million, if I am correct.

If you would be so kind? Thank you very much. I owe you--hopefully not too much.

Is that the $71.6 million?

I think that housing is the foundation of the American dream.

There is a lot of work to be done and we are under difficult circumstances with the budget we face.

Housing is something that has been very much a part of my background as Director of Habitat for Humanity in Portland, Oregon, later a developer of affordable housing, later an advocate in the legislature for both strong rental assistance…

I strongly believe in the mission in Afghanistan, combined with our efforts in Pakistan, was and is the true front on the war on terror.

I appreciate this opportunity to offer my strong support for President Obama's nomination of Peter Kovar to be Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.