On behalf of our Nation's venture capital investors and the entrepreneurs they support, thank you for calling a hearing.

We support the Federal Government's comprehensive regulatory framework to mitigate safety and security risks.

I strongly disagree with you that the oil and gas industry has a proven track record of safety.

we have to use our best judgment. And we're losing jobs all over the place because of simply the Federal rules that are out there.

It's called common sense and balance.

We crafted a provision that streamlined the aircraft certification process and would likely have spurred job growth.

But now there's a proposal to do a tariff on any import from Mexico and others. That's not going to sit too well with, I would assume, your members, given the history that we have.

Does anybody want to object to the idea that when you're considering cost, you ought to also consider benefits?

Mr. President, I would echo what our chairman, Senator Thune, has said about Elaine Chao. She certainly has the qualifications to be our next Secretary of Transportation. Clearly, she is a part of the Senate family; as the spouse of the…

Mr. President, we yield back our time as well. The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time is yielded back. The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the Chao nomination?

This is a topic of enormous interest and import.