David Vitter

I was on the floor talking about the absolute need to pass a long-term reauthorization now before May 31st.

I certainly strongly support a short-term extension if we need it, if we cannot do anything else before May 31st.

We really, really need to act for the good of the country and the economy.

We need to act in a longer-term way, not just another Band-aid, another short-term extension.

A lot of important improvements and reforms can be done administratively, but all of these very short-term extensions really get in the way of that.

Again, I hope we all come together in plenty of time to take care of this important business. I bring it up now, well before the deadline, because the clock is ticking. A Senate bill would have to be reconciled with the House. We need to…

Like a lot of members on the subcommittee and otherwise, I have a single, very basic, fundamental concern which is funding for all this activity really being dramatically cut and changed since the New START treaty was passed.

That is my big, big concern here.

I agree that reauthorization of Ex-Im should be a relatively straightforward matter, and I think it can be if the key concerns that many folks have brought to bear in the debate are addressed directly.

This goes to a broader management issue of Ex-Im Bank regarding the extent to which it properly looks at adverse impacts of loans it is considering.

Ninety-two percent of all Ex-Im transactions did not receive any adverse impact analysis--none whatsoever.

This type of monitoring cannot be done by the States alone and therefore should continue to be funded.

Cutting and limiting the use of DERA funding, which has shown a consistent high return on its investment--for every $1 invested, we get over $13 in health and economic benefits in return--just doesn't make sense.

This recently reauthorized program is a bipartisan, common sense approach to cutting toxic diesel emissions that threaten the lives of our communities and our children.

As we work through the budgeting process, I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Administration on efforts to curb our Federal debt and deficit while ensuring that we invest in key priorities for the First State and for the…

I am concerned about some of the negatives, which could clearly grow over time, about the zero interest rate policy.

Is there any discussion whatsoever now about reversing that decision and going to the pre-Global Strike Command model?

I'm concerned that the Air Force decision to cut that is being made in a narrow smokestack...

I fully understand and support improving efficiencies within the U.S. Government.

First of all, if they are not getting information timely, I think that is in many cases the same thing as not getting information. Time is of the essence.

I appreciate that very much. Picking up on the information flow issue, Mr. Chairman, does the whole Commission not vote on a budget or budget issues?

That strikes me in politics as a classic non-apology apology.

Wouldn't it be reasonable for any budget matter information requested by a Commissioner when they are voting on the budget for that Commissioner to be able to get it, which apparently he or she can't?

We had better make the time for this.

My guess is these women don't want to have a conversation with you, for obvious reasons.