Chris Dodd

Obviously the coincidence of having the three nominees here this morning and at some point later today we will be voting on the financial regulatory reform bill.

I rise this afternoon to spend a few minutes to talk about a most important piece of legislation facing this body and, more importantly, our country, and that is the Wall Street reform bill.

The Federal Government has an obligation to help the heroes of 9/11 as well as all others who were exposed to dust and debris.

This Nation suffered an immeasurable tragedy on September 11, 2001.

How many residents of CT are participating in the WTC National Responder Health Program to monitor and treat responders outside of the NYC metropolitan area?

We cannot allow ourselves to forget about the thousands more--including first responders, area residents, workers, students, and others--who still feel the affects of those attacks.

I want to begin by thanking my fellow conferees... This legislation complements that international effort.

I also commend that young man from North Carolina. I congratulate the Presiding Officer and the other Senator from North Carolina--the young man, more importantly, who went through the grueling process of a lengthy tennis match.

Countless experts agree that the way to really pressure Iran is to target its oil and gas sectors, and that's exactly what this sanctions bill will do.

Can you assure us today, I would ask both Under Secretaries, that this provision--this provision which means that we're going to really look at these companies and their shell companies, that it will be enforced to the fullest extent…

I was pleased that the U.N. Security Council approved a resolution imposing new sanctions on Iran, despite Iran's frantic attempt to derail the effort.

Not only must we pass tough sanctions measures, but we must be sure that they're carried out and they're enforced to the fullest.

I commend Senator Dodd and the other sponsors of this legislation for seeking input from the National League of Cities and other local government groups from the very beginning;

I urge this Congress to continue your role as a great partner for our American cities.

You do not have to be a Ph.D. in political science. When you get 80 cents on the dollar from the Federal Government to build a highway and you get 20 cents to build a transit system, which of the two are you going to take?

It seems to me that in order--we ought to incentivize this kind of idea you are talking about...

I should point out, by the way--and, Julia, you will appreciate this. I will not bore the Committee with the history of this, but Connecticut is one of the few States in the country that does not have any county government.

All I am suggesting is that is why we need this bill.

We appreciate Chairman Dodd's commitment to ensuring rural, midsize and urban communities can benefit from The Livable Communities Act.

I do agree that sometimes you cannot see that goal in 6 months. It might take several years until you would really see the full extent of the value.

NACo has long advocated for flexibility, regionalism, and direct funding to local governments and regions as proven methods for enhancing communities.

I think marketing, too. We know it is how people perceive life to be...

I think there is some optimism there, as well.

Creating livable communities is about giving our cities and towns the tools to plan their own futures.

I particularly want to thank the Obama administration for early on understanding the concept and the idea behind livable communities.