Brian Schatz

Well, can I just ask a question? There are several questions.

I think it's important in the digital age to remember that books matter, libraries matter.

But there would be fewer officers on patrol, less money for training, if any money for training.

We have a policy, obviously, that precludes folks from not paying full time and attention to their duties while they are on their posts.

What I think would suffer would be innovation.

I find these increases to be totally reasonable, but not fundable unless we deal with the sequester.

If most of the savings occur outside of the scoring window, it becomes a policy and an appropriations question.

I look forward to examining your budgets closely today and working with you throughout the year as we conduct ongoing oversight.

I really want to say that you both represent the best in public service.

I kind of understand how constrained you may be because frankly it is a difficult challenge.

You are all institutionalists. You keep us safe. You keep the place running.

I think the report confirms ESPCs and UESCs are a sound strategy.

I would be happy to work with you in any way to try to help the Senate and Congress overall to try to implement all of the recommendations from your high risk list.

Just to be clear, even from the first year, it is not like you are paying a little more in the beginning and then you get your savings back.

CBO and GAO play a vital role in supporting the Congress' legislative and oversight responsibilities by providing objective and authoritative information to the Congress.

The funding we provide to the Capitol Police, the Sergeant at Arms, and the Secretary of the Senate makes sure that the American people have safe and reliable access to our buildings, our proceedings, and our records.

Thank you, Chair Capito.

I look forward to working with you on this subcommittee, and we are fortunate to have you and your 14 years of experience in the Federal legislative context.

I would like to discuss how we can combat evolving threats to our open Capitol campus, like drones that could be used by criminals or terrorists and cyber attacks.

It is an honor to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee and especially to be serving as your ranking member.

Recent policy and funding decisions are being considered within a challenging fiscal climate, making CBO's cost estimates, budget projections, and economic forecasts especially important.

I support and many others support adjusting those caps to a more responsible level.

I appreciate the accommodation.

I will just add, finally on this issue, you have the general trepidation that a lot of veterans have in terms of availing themselves of services at VA, but you also have the special challenges of the stigmatizations of mental health…

Access to mental health services remain a tremendous challenge, particularly in rural areas.