The fact is from all this that it is hard not to conclude that we are still not properly prepared to counter the threat of a weapons of mass destruction attack against the United States and particularly the bioterrorist threat, despite…

Hope springs eternal. Senator Collins and I are both very stubborn people and we are not going to give up on this

I think it goes back to what Senator Lieberman opened up the hearing with, which is how do you create an ongoing sense of urgency within this government and local governments, as well.

I suppose that is a notice to anybody out there who has any input they want to give our Committee before we go to markup that we intend to move this with speed, because that is what the reality of our world requires.

we really put into legislation almost every one of the recommendations that the 9/11 Commission made

the one that we suffered a total and embarrassing failure on was the attempt to reform us

I will state my own intention, and maybe the Committee can do it, to express our displeasure to CDC about this state of affairs.

I think we need an effort across the civilian agencies, led by the Secretary of State.

I am pleased that President Obama has implemented some of the Commission's recommendations.

That is a good idea.

I agree with you, Senator Talent, for the kudos to Senator Akaka.

we are dealing again with a tension that we have dealt with from the beginning of America, which is between security and liberty.

I particularly want to thank my wife, Hadassah, because I rarely have the opportunity to say that.

I am deeply invested in Federal efforts to improve educational opportunities for all children in our Nation's Capitol.

I am really grateful that you have accepted this.

We must ensure that every child has access to a quality education.

. . . each dollar appropriated to the program is a dollar well spent and I strongly urge this subcommittee to provide funds for the program to allow it to continue in full force.

Each dollar appropriated to the program is a dollar well spent, and I strongly urge the subcommittee to provide funds for the program, to allow it to continue in full force.

You have an extraordinary record.

I am impressed by the writing that you have done on what we all ought to be doing, including at the local level, to prepare to respond to a chemical or biological attack.

This program is helping disadvantaged students in the District. As such, it is not the whole solution to improving educational opportunity in our Nation's capital, but it should be part of the solution.

I believe that this is money well spent--on all three prongs.

Senator Collins and I have just introduced legislation to attempt to prevent a biological attack because the feeling is growing increasingly here that, of the various forms of weapons of mass destruction attack, it is probably the most…

I support the bi-partisan reauthorization bill put forth by Senator Lieberman enthusiastically and hope that the Congress will pass it.

this program is helping disadvantaged students in the District. As such, it is not the whole solution to improving educational opportunity in our Nation's capital, but it should be part of the solution.