A GAO study on the impacts of privatization stated that, quote, 'savings come almost entirely from cutting wages and benefits, not from service efficiencies.'

According to this study, safety is a particular concern, for example, with replacement drivers 70 percent more likely to have collisions, which, of course, is very costly.

Sir, I just want to underline that number. That is 99.25 percent of all lands purchased for the Department of the Interior go for filling in holes that were privately held in the middle of Federal park lands.

I just think the fundamental question here is once we start saying well this is a slush fund for covering deferred maintenance then, forget it.

I am just very intent, as you might be able to tell, that we not, in effect, convert this statute, this far-seeing visionary act of genius by our forbearers in this institution, to a maintenance fund to fix roads and curbsides in our…

This is who we are, and it is one of the greatest things about this country.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a good example about how environmental protection and economic growth can reinforce each other.

Well some have suggested that the Federal Government is using these tools to expand the footprint of Federal lands in our states.

I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to reauthorize and fully fund this program so we can continue to have all of the tools we need to protect this land for our kids and our grandkids.

I support simplifying student loans--the motion that just passed 97 to 0--and I commend Senators King and Burr, but it is not enough. We need to cut the interest rate on student loans. The Federal Government should not be making a profit…

I thank the Senator from Vermont. Motion to Instruct I ask unanimous consent that the pending motion be set aside and that my motion be sent to the desk. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection? Without objection, it is so ordered. The…

Access to mortgages is painfully tight, especially for people who are not well to do, and we should find responsible ways to increase access to credit.