It is all about the economics, and the U.S. market is an important tool that we have.

I think having a Senate hearing on this topic would be magnificent and would open up not only the crisis, but also the options that are in front of us.

the backlog on repairs of our bridges and highways is close to $3 trillion.

I would just point out that some of us are prepared to make the tough decisions so that we have the revenues necessary to do what is right for this Country.

The jury is obviously out on what is happening in that country, but it is a country that is struggling with civilian leadership--and whether it will survive--we will see.

The motivating factor for this is South Korea. They are the ones pushing it hard.

It is difficult to look at how we can get that from General Funds when we do not have enough General Funds to balance the Federal budget.

I think they recognize they have a political problem as well as a real problem from the point of view of the health of their people.

I think the second thing is the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

I think there really is a genuine opportunity here to make some advancement.

The security and economic impacts of climate-induced shocks and environmental degradation are significant.

I think it would be helpful if you could perhaps give us help as to what should be on our wish list as they manage the resources of their country, things that we should try to promote, which might be useful.

we do not have the funding to maintain the existing roads.

I found this with Vietnam and now perhaps with Myanmar--that they really do want to become more of a legitimate international player.

We expect to see whether that can be done, either formally or informally.

It is all about her generation.

This is a tremendously important topic.

A commitment to your environment is compatible with economic growth.

I deeply respect all three of you, but two of you have the distinct good sense to be Marylanders.

I think some of the proudest moments in the history of America is that the Democrats and Republicans, working together to pass the Clean Water Act, to pass the Clean Air Act.

And they expect that our toxics and our chemicals are handled in a safe manner in order to protect the welfare of our community.

Chairman Boxer and Ranking Member Vitter, your recent work on the Water Resources Development Act of 2013 is a tangible demonstration of working together for a common goal.

It is our responsibility to make sure that the Senate takes up these positions for up or down votes.

Stop the delay. Two years for this position to be filled is outrageous.

I believe that we all share a common goal of clean and healthy waters.