Ben Cardin

It is no coincidence that both our transportation and energy systems are simultaneously at a crossroads.

I want to once again extend my sincerest condolences to the families, friends and others who suffered losses during Monday's tragic Metrorail accident.

If Congress does not address the projected negative balance in the Highway Trust Fund this summer, the Federal Highway Administration will not be in a position to reimburse Maryland.

The Federal Government can play a critical role in bringing about that change, and this is one more chapter in achieving that goal.

The message when we pass this--and I certainly hope that we will pass this--is that America has made a priority protecting people from violence because of diversity.

I couldn't disagree more with Professor Heriot's observations of what's happening in the real world.

That's why legislation is important. It has to be well-drafted, well-thought out, and this has not been.

I think if the Senate failed to pass this, the attitudes back in Iowa, at least, would be mute astonishment, wondering how the government can abandon these most vulnerable members of our society.

If the legislation is not passed, what the message will be will depend upon what members of the Senate make the message.

I've just got to be perfectly open about this.

We expect you to try to do what sometimes we're unable to do in this Congress, to reach a bipartisan conclusion.

Unfortunately, the name of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, once renowned for its bipartisanship, scholarship, and presentation of hard facts, should be misused to oppose this critical legislation.

The Commission is supposed to be evenly divided politically, but instead, two of the independents, one was a former Republican, one turned Republican, that joined in the opinion.

The opposition does not reflect a studied position backed by the agency's research.

Passage of this vaguely worded prohibition would be a giant step toward the Federalization of all crime.

We need the protections that the Matthew Shepard Act provides.

I think that changing or broadening the ability of the Federal Government to respond makes this more of a seamless approach between the Federal authorities and local authorities.

I strongly support this legislation.

I think we do need the presence of the Federal Government, and I thank you for your leadership on this issue.

I want to make sure our water supply is clean and I want to make sure that we deal with the environmental risks here.

We think that needs to be taken into consideration when the economic argument is made.

Let me join Senator Alexander in thanking you all for your testimony today.

Well, once again, we thank you for really putting a face on this issue.

I think you have a much better chance of economic growth without that type of activity.

Well, thank you, Dr. Palmer, and thank all of you for your testimony.