Passenger rail service is a critical link between people, jobs and opportunities, and we need to give it the same attention and priority that we give our roads, transit systems, aviation sector, and other transportation modes.

a number of my colleagues came to the floor yesterday to speak about the FDA's failure to release the tobacco deeming rule and the delays that have occurred with respect to that rule. As difficult as the American people may find it to…

I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. FDA Tobacco Deeming Regulations

CPSC no longer stands by safety of artificial turf

Those kinds of failures have real life consequences, too, do they not?

I would like to see the same accountability in the VA and in the Federal Government that we see in the United States military most of the time.

These recommendations that have not been implemented with respect to training have real life consequences, do they not?

I am concerned that delaying necessary improvement and maintenance for Veterans Health Administration facilities would have long-term effects on the level of care that is delivered to veterans.

The American people deserve to know who will be held accountable, why the investigations have not been completed.

I will be submitting questions for the record that I hope the VA will provide responses in addressing to this Committee.

I share the Chairman's concerns and I expect a very productive and informative hearing today.

In fact, one of the major problems in health care in America today is infections that occur within hospitals, is that correct?

Some of those recommendations have to do with accountability, do they not?

It should not take a public scolding like a hearing of this type for the VA to implement both GAO and IG recommendations.

Yet, the VA has failed to implement a number of recommendations having to do with that basic training requirement, correct?

Allowing contractors to access VA's network from foreign countries, particularly China, raises enormous red flags.

I would add one last note. My colleague Senator Durbin has very appropriately mentioned the Corinthian debacle. We should note that this debacle is not an innocent failure. It is not a victimless debacle. Behind that staggering number of…

I thank Senator Carper and Senator Durbin, two of our most distinguished colleagues who have fought ceaselessly for the interests of students and veterans. I am very proud to be here with them today. I do have a very personal interest as…

I think there is a need to consider specific action.

Numerous systems deficiencies and omissions by the Deepwater Horizon crew as well as poor maintenance of equipment, ignoring alarms, and lack of training personnel.

Situations like that should not be allowed to proceed, and I think in cases like that, legislation is needed to force the responsible party to deal with and seal those wells so there is not a perpetual discharge of oil and gas into…

Is there anything that Congress should do to assure even greater collaboration or greater preemptive and proactive action?

Is there adequate collaboration among the companies?

Taking this billion dollars from the Choice program would make it far more difficult and unlikely for the VA to be removed from the High-Risk List.

You cannot hold accountable people for failing to meet schedules if the scheduling data is unreliable.