Mike Crapo

I want to commend Chief Allan for his strong leadership on issues of importance to both Idahoans and the American people.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Vice Chairman Barrasso for holding this important hearing on the role of the SBA 8(a) program in enhancing economic development in Indian Country.

I guess the next question I was going to ask you is you indicated in your testimony that you found that the government's response was piecemeal to non-existent.

This is an important issue, as you have indicated, and I really am glad that our committee is looking into it.

Since S. 76 was written into its present form as a truly bi-partisan bill with the full support of Senator Crapo.

While the Dodd-Frank Act missed a great opportunity to merge the SEC and CFTC and stop the bifurcation of the futures and securities markets there is no reason why we shouldn't push for more coordination, consistent rules, and budgetary…

I understand the need that the agency has, and, in fact, I see the benefit of making sure that the agency has the resources to do its job and to do its job effectively, efficiently, and well.

I completely agree with the comments that the Chairman made about how important the functions of the SEC are.

And how does that process work? It seems to me that that would be incredibly important to make sure, first of all, that a cost-benefit analysis is done, and that you seek the objective of having the least burdensome solution that you can…

The Dodd-Frank Act, in my opinion, missed a great opportunity to merge the SEC and the CFTC and stop the bifurcation of the futures and securities markets

I am one of those who would like to see Dodd-Frank slowed down, and, frankly, think that we made a mistake when we passed the Dodd-Frank legislation.

All agencies and programs should be prepared to sacrifice. All budgets have to be on the table.

Well, that is good, because you actually contemplated my next question, which was would it not be a good idea, even though it is not binding, for the agency to, or the Commission to pursue the objectives, one of which is to achieve the…

The potential harm to our already weak economy and the public from ill-conceived rules, in my opinion, cannot be understated

It was recently announced that we are yet facing another record Federal deficit at $1.6 trillion.

We are now facing yet another record Federal deficit at $1.6 trillion, and the budget we recently received from the President would double the national debt, to more than $26 trillion, by the end of the decade.

And do you feel that, ultimately, the objective is consistent with the statutory mandate, achieving the least costly alternative?

I believe all agencies and programs should be prepared to engage in this process and that all budgets have to be evaluated.

It seems to me that we are causing the agencies to rush and then try to create these processes of phased implementation.

Now therefore be it Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable James Albertus McClure, former member of the United States Senate.

It is imperative that Congress grapple with the need to deal with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

At a minimum, it seems to me that we ought to acknowledge the taxpayer is on the hook for the debt.

I would just add that Congress budgets on a 1-year at a time basis.

As we talk about national transportation issues, we must ensure that Federal legislation continues to distribute highway funds in a way that recognizes that there is an important national interest in transportation investment in and across…

This does not change the course that we have been on.