Mike Johanns

The policies and actions of the FCC reverberate across our economy and impact our Nation's international competitiveness.

A change to the regulation governing the FCC's implementation of their responsibilities would take too long and therefore be of little value in helping the rail industry meet the deadlines specified in the Positive Train Control statute.

I would love to start a dialogue with you in just a general way about these issues.

On the other hand, I think both the chairman, myself as ranking member, Senator Moran, others who work with the tribes every day, every week in our office would be more than willing to be as helpful as we can because this deadline is real.

Isn't there a way to put some streamline behind this, and because at the end of the day, it needs to get done, right?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Unfortunately, in my judgment, the agreement reached last year just didn't meet the standard.

The changes Congress made to the Budget Control Act simply raise more money to spend more money.

I opposed the decision last fall to amend the Budget Control Act to escalate Federal discretionary spending back over a $1 trillion.

The reason why I find that confusing is that the rule comes out--the proposed rule, then you have this interpretive document.

I think this is an opportunity. I think you think it is an opportunity to say to the farm groups, hey, we are listening.

My hope is that there will not be any issue, that compliance will be timely, and it will be done as required by the legislation.

I just want to know what we are doing here.

They appreciate what they feel is a more open environment to the EPA.

I came away a true believer in that program and what it is doing for homelessness.

One would be too many.

I cannot imagine why USAID would want to be involved, or even should be involved--maybe that is the more appropriate comment--in something like going into a country and dealing, and trying to get Internet access for people opposing the…

I think those comments are extremely important, and I would strongly suggest that somebody in the Administration should pay attention to those comments.

As I see it, the New York facility is requesting $150 million in the future.

$561.8 million checks the box on those 4 projects.

We seem to be stalling here.

There has been an estimate... that $23 billion is necessary to address what is on the waiting list.

In the past years, as we all know, Congress has made the VA a priority, and I believe appropriately so.

I do not think anybody in this hearing today is going to make the case that we are doing a great job in terms of the list to get disability ratings and get people an answer.

S. 1369 would clarify that the Federal Reserve is not required to impose a bank regime on insurers by exempting insurers from the Collins Amendment.