Well, thank you. Good to be here today and also to present some viewpoints from our side of the aisle.

I have to commend you, Ms. Norton, for calling this hearing and for taking time to spend congressional oversight and attention to a very important issue.

I cannot think of any piece of legislation that is more important than a six-year, fully funded transportation infrastructure bill that would help jump-start the economy and provide jobs.

We supported the Mica amendment because it struck the right balance between national security and due process.

I want to thank Congressman Dent and Congressman Olson for introducing H.R. 3093, the General Aviation Security Enhancement Act of 2009.

Not one person asked me to come to Washington and pass more red tape. People want jobs and they want them now.

the main problem is right here: Congress.

As it turned out, Mr. Oberstar and I were only able to get about 7 percent of that entire package for infrastructure.

I want these new important transportation officials to know that you are being closely observed today.

I thank the Chairman, also for our mutual efforts to try to hold everybody's feet to the fire on Congress's intent to get people working and get some of the Stimulus money out.

These types of practices must come to an end, and regional airlines must be held accountable for negligence.