Mary Landrieu

I do not want to dwell too much on this, but when I said does the District know how it ranks according to other States...

We are not anywhere where we need to be, but there are new Federal laws that are incentivizing that kind of mentorship.

Well, it is really good to hear that because the best practice models that are developing are all focused in that way to try to have the most consistency for these young people who have already enough disruption, in large measure no fault…

Well, we are going to work harder to fix this because there are thousands of children, maybe not as articulate and as smart as you, but there are thousands of children that are in this same situation.

In the law--and this is mentioned in the testimony--if a child is 14 or older, they have to give their consent for adoption.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for your thoughtful opening statement on this subject...

It is not pocket change. And if that money followed the child and the best decisions of the professionals...

But when you order them to do it, they say they do not have the resources to do it, or no?

I am extremely impressed with your general compassion on this issue and your attention to it.

We're grateful for the $10 million that is in this bill to begin turning dirt

I think this subcommittee is going to be shocked when the numbers come in, about what our communities are going to have to either step up or pay in money that they don't have or pay in additional insurance premiums to get flood insurance…

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

We need $300 million a year just to finish these 18 projects

We have the largest land loss anywhere in the lower 48. And it's quite an urgent matter.

It is an honor to present Brian Anthony Jackson, who will bring valuable experience to the bench.

I believe that supporting real reformers is a smarter strategy, whether or not the reform plan has near unanimous stakeholder buy-in.

We want to significantly increase that investment, going from $400 million in fiscal year 2010 to a proposed $950 million in 2011.

Talent matters tremendously. It is a phenomenal pool of hard-working, committed folks.

I strongly support TFA. It is an authorized program in the law, not an earmark.

This is a battle. It is not a waltz.

Half of something strong is better than 100 percent of something weak and watered down.

Nothing in our application was watered down.

When you do the second round, are you thinking about the opportunity of a more fair scoring?

We were one of the States that applied, as you know, and have been very encouraged by words that you and your administration have spoken about the good work that is happening in Louisiana.

I appreciate your enthusiasm and your focus on improving our schools because it is quite a challenge.