The bill that we are proposing or shopping around does not have a specific time period.

We are going to leave the record open for 2 weeks.

We are going to call our meeting to order.

Hearing held on July 27, 2011.

Response to written questions submitted to Hon. David L. Strickland by: Hon. Mark Pryor.

What steps is the Department of Education taking to ensure that poor and rural school districts are able to apply for competitive grants and compete on a level playing field?

I think particularly in disadvantaged communities, in rural and remote areas, we should be thinking about where there is a scarcity of great STEM teachers.

My view is that focusing on STEM will absolutely translate into better jobs, better opportunities for many, many, many Americans around the country.

I think that is great. So, you are seeing what you would hope to see out there, which is communities coming together and really getting great things done.

I would invite you to come to the State of Maine to watch these trucks coming through small towns.

Advocates urges passage of S. 695, the Commercial Driver Compliance Improvement Act sponsored by Senator Pryor.