Dianne Feinstein

I really thank the Committee for including in its pipeline safety bill a nationwide review, which Senator Boxer and I proposed in our bill.

I want to thank you for the meticulous work by your team on the San Bruno investigation, and for the recommendations in your final report, all of which PG&E fully embraces.

I think there are a lot of reasons to continue to do extraordinary due diligence on this particular issue.

I believe we should require these valves on all pipelines, as California has done now.

I'm pleased that the Committee has accepted the amendment worked out with Senator Paul requiring that all pipelines that have never undergone a pressure test undergo a viable and effective strength test.

I'm pleased that the Senate passed S. 275, and I thank Ms. Quarterman for her help and her agency's help in helping us put that together.

In March, Senator Feinstein and I sent you a letter expressing concern about a regulatory loophole...

I think that's very good news.

I can speak for Senator Feinstein, and I can speak for my colleagues, and I think I can speak for the regulators--is if you do this, you step out front and do the right thing.

No one knew whether the pipeline under San Bruno was safe--not the utility, not the state regulators, and not the Federal regulators.

The NTSB found this accident could have been prevented.

I do want to say to NTSB, I can't tell you how impressed you are--I know that Senator Feinstein said that. I agree with her.

I think really what it says is the respect that we have for the rule of law in this country

The reason to have a community-wide Inspector General is similar to the reason to have a Director of National Intelligence.

I'd like to particularly recognize Senator Snowe. She was the drafter of the provision creating this position and the driving force behind it.

I want to congratulate you on this nomination. I had the pleasure to meet with you, as I'm sure other Members have as well, and know that you are superbly qualified for this job.

We have a problem that's out of control, and we have a lot of people suffering for it.

I have, for a number of years now, been concerned about the affordability of health insurance.

This one really cries out for watching and for taking action to see that premium rates are truly justified.

Two companies have over 80 percent of all of the market in Iowa, and in some places in Iowa only one company, United Health Care.

I think this is a major step forward, Mr. Chairman.

The threat from al-Qa'ida's affiliates and adherents around the world has increased and presents particular challenges.

Despite counterterrorism pressure against al-Qa'ida in Pakistan, including the successful strike against Usama bin Ladin in Abbottabad, the group remains dangerous and vengeful.

I'm still very concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against the United States.

I really think this is a very important matter that we're able to do that.