Tom Carper: “Making D.C. into a separate State violates the solemn compact we made over 200 years ago with Maryland.”

I would like to yield to the gentlewoman from West Virginia. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from West Virginia.

We are better off when we hear community concerns at the beginning of the process rather than at the end.

I don't know if my colleague from West Virginia can tell how much I am blushing over here from her kind and generous comments and having offered in the Committee to name this bill after me. One of the joys of serving here for almost 24…

Public engagement can build trust, it can increase public buy-in, can help resolve issues, can help prevent litigation, and ultimately it can save time and money.