Tom Carper

I think you are going to tell us, but why?

But 2 years was more acceptable to GAO. Is that correct?

I think there is some agreement, at least among Senator Collins, Senator Lieberman, and myself, that if we are not comfortable going with 8 years, we may be comfortable going with 2 years.

So as Congress would consider policy decisions such as a reduction in service from 6 to 5 days, you could go back to your constituents and explain to them how this is all going to work.

I think it is incumbent to lay it out in a strategy that would talk about not only 6-day-a-week delivery but what other options are being considered.

Actually, there might even be an opportunity to partner with Members of Congress.

Are you asking for maybe a test drive, a year or so, see how it works out, do you have enough flexibility?

I think what we just heard, it could cycle on and off. Part of the year, busier times.

What I am asking for is that the Board be given the latitude to evaluate our mail volumes and to make decisions, in concert with our mailers, on when it would be prudent to roll back or eliminate six day delivery.

If you go from 6 to 5 days, some of your customers, including your competitors, might be less inclined to use you as a partner for going that last mile.

And roughly what percent--is the loss greater in First-Class? Where is it the greatest?

I was privileged to work with her a couple of years ago on this legislation, and I never thought at the time that we would continue to work on it as much as we have.

Let me just say, we think around here about echo effect.

When will that happen?

I hope that EPA drops the mercury rule case, and does not appeal it further.

The good thing about diesel engines is they last a long time. The bad things about diesel engines is they last a long time.

One of the major contributors to air pollution in and around schools comes from those school buses that the kids ride to school in.

We hope you will have the opportunity to come and see us, too.

We understand that these are partnerships and that there is a great willingness to share your wife and your children's mom with our Country.

I look forward to working with you on a variety of issues, including more funding and assistance to local communities to deal with water infrastructure needs.

I want to say for the record that I think Steve Johnson did an outstanding job as Director of the EPA.

I think it is the most difficult job that one can have in the Federal Government.

I think these next 2 years may be the most important 2 years that I serve in public office, because of the condition of our economy and the threat, in all aspects, to the world economy.

We can no longer afford inaction on climate change or air pollution.

But beyond just refusing to do its part, the Administration has also held up any Federal regulation on climate change--despite the Supreme Court ruling that the regulation of carbon dioxide is required under the Clean Air Act.