Ben Cardin

The Senator is directly on time. Time has just expired.

We have invested a lot of resources into protecting the ocean front at Ocean City, Maryland.

I think it is an extremely important hearing, and I want to hear from our colleagues who have experienced first-hand the incredible challenge we have had on flooding this year.

We agree with you, and our challenges on the East Coast are a little bit different.

There is a sense of urgency here.

Our current systems and programs and policies and practices are inadequate. We need to recognize that.

We have to ask you to complete your statement.

Clearly, we have challenges in trying to manage the demand for commerce as well as to protect life and property.

Let me just urge us to perhaps rethink this based upon the experience that we had on the bank participation program.

The need is out there, and it is a matter of trying to generate jobs.

We are all frustrated that the $30 billion program did not generate more interest, and I think Senator Levin's point about the Republican delay is very much on point.

I hope that Florida and EPA can work this out.

I appreciate very much your active participation here.

Farming is, someone has to have a real motivation to be a farmer today. It is not easy.

I think we all understand the dangers of nutrient pollution and the need for aggressive action.

This is not just about public health issues, it really has a direct economic impact.

Jobs are our key point right now.

I think we all agree on local flexibility, as long as they meet the standards.

The Bush administration's EPA and the EPA Inspector General... have highlighted the benefits of using a numeric nutrient criteria.

We are spending $450 million to take those solids and to build the largest thermal hydrology project in the world.

Thank you very much for your testimony.

It is my understanding that there has been a lot of discussion about the numeric nutrient standards.

It is clearly a win-win situation. I would hope that we could move, we think there is some authority within the agency to do this today.

American agriculture is very varied, and that diversity is a tremendous strength that should be preserved.

I think we should support 100 percent.