I know I went over in my time, Mr. Chairman.

I appreciate the fact that the EPA is aware of this issue with regard to the disadvantage that small communities face in competing for these grants.

However, the Brownfields Program has been a very bright exception to that rule.

The Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, has helped millions of Americans achieve the dream of owning a home.

Are you sure that the factors that are utilized there are properly balanced between rural and urban issues?

Well, thank you. I can identify with that a little bit. In previous years, we have worked on trying to help our small communities deal with their water infrastructure systems...

We should also be clear that the bill is not the last discussion this Committee will have on the reform of FHA.

The mandate of the EPA under the statute to protect our water and our air and our environment is one that is deeply appreciated by the people of Idaho.

earlier today the Senate held a first of a series of cloture votes on controversial nominations by voting to invoke cloture on the nominee to be the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This agency is unlike any other…

It is again time to consider reauthorization of the Defense Production Act, commonly referred to as the DPA.

Dodd-Frank did not yet end too big to fail.

As Senator Crapo likes to point out, the U.S. capital markets must remain the preferred destination of investors throughout the world.

We are here today to consider several nominations across the numerous Federal agencies that we have and I welcome all of you to our Committee.

Because the powers of this position are so unique and unparalleled within Government, any nominee to this important position must be politically independent and have the necessary policy and technical expertise.

I congratulate Dr. Piwowar on his nomination to be an SEC Commissioner.

I am pleased to introduce Dr. Michael Piwowar today for consideration by the Committee as a Commissioner for the Securities and Exchange Commission.

I think that Congress very specifically intended that the assets of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac be conserved and be managed in such a way that they return the maximum support back to the taxpayer.

I have previously expressed my concern about the President choosing to make an appointment of this political nature.

Dr. Piwowar will bring that appreciation to bear as the SEC moves forward with its demanding regulatory agenda.

Dr. Piwowar's experience and expertise will be a real asset to the SEC.

I would like to thank Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Jim Risch for their support of our communities in the Clearwater Basin.

I'd like to thank Senator Mike Crapo, Senator Jim Risch, for their support of our communities in the Clearwater Basin.

Overall the health and welfare of the Nez Perce people is interdependent upon the forests.

The CBC was formed out of frustration with the gridlock and status quo.

Collaboration has become an essential model to resolving long standing issues among diverse interests of rural Americans dependent upon the federal land base for their livelihoods.