Ann Kirkpatrick

If we are going to rebuild our economy, then we will have to unlock new markets everywhere.

Despite promising signs of recovery, rural economics still have a ways to go.

We in California have just started the wildfire season and it can have devastating effects on our communities.

I have been calling for Congress to authorize $100 million to prevent the southbound trafficking of cash and guns.

I am concerned about that right now with our economy.

Do you see incentives for savings in the current Tax Code for businesses?

As much as possible, simplification could be disconnecting those things from the business.

Thank you, Chairman Schrader. Excellent panel, excellent.

They were promised medical treatment for life when they enlisted and that promise has been broken.

The risk really is that those who need treatment are not going to seek it out because of the current system.

One veteran in particular was a Vietnam veteran and he told me how painful it was to try to track down his patrol, finding out that so many of them had died since their days in the service.

I just spent 2 weeks in my district meeting with veterans and there is so much anger about how they are being treated by the Administration.

I look forward to working with you to pass a budget that will give the VA the resources needed.

We must keep our promises to them and their families.

I urge you to work with the administration and the VA Secretary to provide funding that will further reduce the backlog and wait times that our veterans suffer while waiting for their claims to be approved.

This is simply outrageous and intolerable.

I urge you to include full funding of $5.1 billion for the LIHEAP program.

I am pleased that President Obama is practicing 'truth in budgeting,' particularly when it comes to the costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

While investing in the future we must also commit ourselves to reducing the deficit, eliminating wasteful spending and finding ways to do more with less.

Without significant investments, we won't be able to realize the full potential to develop clean energy in Maine or around the country.

By developing new sources of clean energy, we will create sustainable jobs, lessen our dependence on foreign oil and begin to meet the greatest environmental challenge our planet has ever faced.

I strongly believe that the time has come for guaranteed affordable access to quality health care for every American.

I would also like to express my support for serious, significant investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

For a long time now, we have known that out of pocket health care costs are a major factor in many bankruptcies.

For this and many more reasons, I am pleased that for the first time in a long time, the President's proposed budget represents a serious down payment on health care reform.