Now, these levees--this levee system was built in large measure after the great flood of 1927, and that was generations ago.

this is the first $10 million that's been directed in a budget for construction

I want to work with you on a very cost-effective solution for this, because the current system that we have, I believe, is broken, it's expensive, and I don't think the taxpayers will sustain it.

Can I just have your, just brief 30 seconds on your commitment to helping us find a way forward?

But we have 500 million acres, they're now down to a measly, you know, 31 million--what's, you know, what's happening in the other 470 million acres?

There's going to be fierce opposition to taxing this industry, because it is counter to creating jobs and counter to energy independence.

I want to commend you for your work on your Rivers Initiative.

I think I demonstrated at our last meeting that, of all of the spills that have occurred in the entire oceans in the last 30 years, you could contain it in the Reflecting Pool between here and the Washington Monument.

the current path of the program is not sustainable for the animals, the environment, or the taxpayer.

the regulations are already in place--these regulations are impacting the red, white, and blue jobs that have powered our country

It seems very contrary to our stated goals of being more energy sufficient in the United States.

the way that the United States of America--under both Republican and Democratic rule--have essentially dealt with the Land and Water Conservation Fund as essentially a 50-year broken promise to America.

They have written a very lengthy letter saying why the amendment I am offering is so important. In addition, I am happy to say, today we got a very strong editorial in the New York Times, which does not always write favorably about some…

it might have been a better--listen first and then implement, rather than implement and then see what the impacts are going to be

We're losing a football field equivalent of land every 30 minutes.

I want to thank you for your commitment to preserving what's special about America; the cultural treasures of our country.

I want to communicate how many local elected officials have said, you know, they may not rule for us, but please tell the Secretary at least we are getting our day in court to be able to get a decision.

I would just suggest, Mr. Chairman, the members of our subcommittee, that as we look out into the reconstruction of Haiti, that helping the Haitian Government and working with international partners, I understand Canada and France want to…

Thank you for always putting women in the forefront of this debate because, as you know, women can be the drivers of economic growth and social stability around the world.

We are very concerned that this fund may run out of money, Madam Secretary, because there are still some major projects pending for reimbursement.

Your Department really stepped up with the Department of State to help process about 900 adoptions.

If we are not trying to coordinate, is there a country in the world that is tasked with coordinating...

The fiscal year 2011 budget request for the Department will bolster emergency preparedness and support disaster recovery.

Just because people can't appreciate that doesn't necessarily mean that it's not the right thing.

It is extremely cost effective and it is helping us train our first responders actually in the communities where they live.