Barbara Mikulski

We need to know that seafood is safe, and the American public needs to know that seafood is safe for the simple reason that we want them to continue to feel comfortable buying gulf products.

There is a report that came out this month, written by Elana Schor, that said that 20 percent of the BP oil-spill workers have been exposed to 2-Butoxyethenol, which is a chemical known to have made Exxon Valdez workers sick.

That was very powerful, and it goes to what I asked our executive branch, more of a sense of urgency here. Pick it up.

I know that, for example, Ms. Jeter is the official union representative and does a very good job at it.

I have got my own bill, along with Senator Cardin and others, to do that.

I would strongly recommend in the interim, people who have those concerns bring it to those that they elected to represent them in the workplace.

But one of your points, though, is the GSA has got to get cracking on these two other Federal board appointments?

We hear about out-of-service escalators and elevators. That is a top favorite, as well as closed entrances and exits and train delays.

Using an old Ronald Reagan phrase, my good friend Ronald Reagan, when he said, 'Are you better off now than you were 4 years ago?'

We have got to be able to get together, put it out on the table, speak uncensored and unfettered, and let us solve some of these problems.

Because they are the first to experience any breakdowns for not only such a horrific thing as death, but also injury, even if it is temporary injury, you know?

What does it take to have labor and management meet on a regular basis, to have regular communication of things of mutual concern?

Do you feel that the climate toward whistleblowers has improved?

Well, it seems to be that there needs to be a mechanism of communication between labor and management.

It shows the dedication that is needed on this particular issue.

I am really committed to them having that service.

This is a national issue, and it is a mandate.

We do believe, though, there has to be modernization. There has to be safety reform, and there has to be accountability. By accountability, we mean real measurements.

Well, this takes me to the Federal responsibility that while we might be self-congratulatory that we are finally providing a guaranteed revenue stream of $150 million, the fact is, is that helps maintain the status quo in good operating…

We need to know then how the board then focuses on that.

Not enough organization.

The FTA audit found that Metro didn't have a list of the top 10 safety and hazard concerns.

I am trying to get to the point. We had the accidents. We have had the FTA audit. We are making corrections.

Strengthen whistleblower protection so you don't shoot the messenger.

So now it is our job not to break our promise.