As a country, we lack a strategic plan to guide economic policy decisions that affect American manufacturing competitiveness.

Manufacturing has been a critical part of American economic competitiveness since the industrial revolution.

What could the Federal Government do to make your business more competitive?

I appreciate that, but I would certainly like to see my constituents and the people--the area would like to see more committed to those grade separations.

Well, I am looking forward to having a discussion about what we can do, especially legislatively here to make the program more functional, get more of that money out the door, more of those loans out the door.

I want to start by following up on Mr. Barletta's questions about RRIF because I think RRIF could be of much greater value if we are able to get more of that money out to the railroads.

I am very happy that CREATE has been moving forward, although not as quickly as any of us would like to see.

I think your confirmation 97 to 0 in the Senate is a great testament to you and your work.

The survey found that most Americans are unprepared for a major disaster and that they have a false sense of security about what will happen if a major disaster occurs.

My prayers go out to those in Moore, Oklahoma as well as those outside of Oklahoma City, who are currently dealing with this loss.

Thank you, Chairman Bucshon and Chairman Massie for holding today's hearing to examine federal efforts to reduce the impacts of windstorms.