I understand from the BVA that this type of cancer is rare in the civilian population, but it is ten times more common among Vietnam era veterans and currently is not being considered for an epidemiological study.

What is the process by which you consider whether to do an epidemiological study?

They haven't completed them.

The best research in the world has to be used to be effective.

It seems to me that this agency, basically, is in need of serious reform.

Unfortunately, you made the point, I agree, that very often bureaucracies devote more time and effort and ingenuity to denying claims than enabling them.

We all should be on the same side of safety in gas transmission.

There is a very severe and serious problem with the current system of oversight.

This research must be done, it just has to be done.

It sounds arbitrary and capricious.

These bigger gathering pipelines pose a greater threat because, if they rupture, obviously they can contaminate a larger area.

The key to the 901 bill is the national center. That is the key.

If it's lack of resources and authority, they should be given both.

I think it gives us an example of how we need to push the VA and our entire Federal executive branch to do more and do better.

Would you, therefore, think it is important and necessary to approve Senate Bill 2081, which, in effect, extends this authority for an additional 15 years?

I want to second the very powerful remarks made by my colleague from Indiana. In Connecticut, what I hear again and again is the need for this body to address jobs and the economy. They are talking about putting people back to work and…

I note that my colleague from South Carolina has arrived on the floor, and I would happily yield to him if he wishes to go. Otherwise, I will be very brief.

I am always a little more than awed and inspired to be here on the floor of the United States Senate, a place that my father never could have predicted that I would be when he came here in 1935, an immigrant, fleeing persecution in Germany…

I will be quick, Mr. Chairman. My main reason for speaking is to say how fervently I support passenger rail in South Dakota.

There really is an opportunity and obligation for more collaboration and cooperation here.

I hope that you will continue to focus not only on Positive Train Control but on very significant other rail safety issues.

I will oppose that kind of extension if it is incorporated in any sort of continuing resolution or a short-term fix. I believe that approach is simply an invitation to disaster.

Rail safety in the United States is sorely lacking. And there will continue to be catastrophes, often with fatal results and tremendous costs, if the nation fails to do better.

I want to focus in the short time I have remaining on the need for greater oversight on the Hartford Line.

I strongly support the railroad-by-railroad, year-by-year, vigilant oversight approach, which I believe was embodied in the GROW AMERICA Act.