Ben Cardin

I hope we would be able to follow up on that point, because I do think the cost effectiveness, particularly to governments of limited capacity, is an issue that we need to be very informed about.

Of course, the fact that it is under pressure is one of the reasons why we have so much leakage, which adds to the efficiency issues of our systems.

Let's work to ensure that the regulatory decisions that we make are based on sound science and that we achieve a balance with the community and environmental needs.

We support the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act and applaud the Committee and you, Senator Carper, for favorably reporting it in December 2011.

Does it not help our allies to know that we want all of our allies to cut off the financing of Iran through its Central Bank in order to be able to avoid a nuclear Iran?

But is our objective not to get them not to deal with the Central Bank of Iran?

As to the floor privileges, Mr. President, let me just comment how valuable these Navy fellows are in our offices. I am very grateful for LCDR Knisley's service in my office, and I know Senator Wicker feels the same. LCDR Shane Knisley…

I would welcome specifics, rather than just saying no, this doesn't work; this doesn't work; this doesn't work.

But if your objective is to defeat legislation, if that is your objective, then I understand what you are doing.

You have been incredible in pointing out the risk factors and putting a face on it as to the individuals who are impacted.

The ideal circumstance is to have the Federal Government provide the blanket protection we need for the Nation.

I just urge you to be more forthcoming on your recommendations so that we can try to get to where the real problems are.

It is clear in this political environment, the way we get legislation enacted is for both sides to come together.

If your objective is to make sure nothing gets through this Congress, then I understand what you are saying.

The question is this. Here is the point. You say in your statement that the current law needs to be reformed.

I strongly endorse her nomination for confirmation.

If my colleague will yield, we had a strong bipartisan vote on the floor on this issue. He is exactly right. All States in this country will benefit from it. Illinois is a State that also receives pollution from other States. Pollution…

The United States, particularly in the AID programs, has to have a very strong position on anticorruption, women's rights, those issues. Because if not, then what do we stand for?

I think this is an extremely important area for us to explore. Obviously, we need to do a better job ourselves in our relationships with Africa on trade.

If we had more ties and there were more avenues for us to be able to exercise our influence, then we could have a better way of dealing with the type of relationships with China that are counterproductive with good governance.

I think that is the most important thing we can do is enhance our own relationship with the continent of Africa.

China is interested in their own goals and has very little concern about the governance issues in the countries that they deal with.

With that, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.

I think the more that we can use some of these natural areas, the better off it is going to be for saving the loss of life and property.

I think our Committee supports a WRDA bill. So we will obviously be working closely with you as to how these emerging issues require congressional participation.