You both are examples of what these people here today want out of our Congress, and that is good people dedicated to solving problems and reaching across party lines to work together.

We now suffer from benign neglect in the Congress of the United States of America. We neglect the most important responsibilities that we have, and we suffer because of that.

I am proud to stand here today on International Women's Day, the 8th day of March, 2012, to pay tribute to women around the world but also to acknowledge that women around the world, on Monday, March 12, will celebrate the 100th…

I would also like to ask the permission of the Chair to display this box during my remarks. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I am glad to be able to come to the floor. I wish to talk about a subject that was talked about to me a lot during the Presidents Day break back in Georgia. I spent most of that week traveling in my State, going to townhall meetings…

I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 10 minutes in morning business. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

Well, at the risk of grandstanding, I was not going to bring that up, but since you brought it up, that is the Manna program, which is in Fitzgerald, GA, which is where my mother was born.

I want to commend you on the timely calling of this hearing and I think it's a very important hearing for the Commerce Committee to conduct.

I think it's extremely important for America that these cruise lines are headquartered in America.

And I thank the industry for being represented. To Admiral Salerno, thank you for the many things the Coast Guard contributes to the safety and security of the citizens of our country on the high seas.

I think it is a great idea, and it is something that is very important.

I want to be clear: our first priority--our obligation--must be to ensure that we are fulfilling and honoring our commitment to our veterans.