I think our challenge, Madam Chair, is to craft the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, that you referred to as MAP, that will meet our investment needs in a fiscally responsible way.

Less than three-tenths of 1 percent of our GDP is being invested in our non-defense public structures and buildings.

But I think we need to make sure that what we do in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act is consistent with our overall responsibility to balance the Federal budget.

There is no question that our national transportation system is in dire need of repairs and investments.

There are many concerns. A lot of them have been brought out. We have human rights concerns, from how they treat their journalists to the right dissent.

I think it's a very valid point. And no one here will weaken our involvement in NATO.

I just want to agree with our leaders on this committee about the importance of improving our relationship with the--with Russia.

I do hope that we can engage, and not be worried about an engagement here.

I must tell you, there is skepticism by my colleagues in Russia as to the sincerity of our reaching out, at this point.

I am hopeful that we can move legislation, and I hope that we get it right.

As President Obama said last night, this is America, we lead. And it is time that we led on this critically important issue.

If you reward private companies that can come up with ways to produce energy with emitting less carbon, that is a win.

I really came to this hearing to try to learn more about this issue.

I want to thank Chairman Boxer for her work in keeping the focus on sound science as this debate continues.

I deeply respect his intellect, his integrity, his financial knowledge, and his commitment to public service.

The Chesapeake Bay is experiencing radical changes. And it is related to global climate change.

If the United States does not lead, it won't get done. That is the responsibility that we hold.

We have technology changing all the time, and with the use of the communications through the Internet, competition is not what it was when these laws were developed.

The scientific information on global climate change has been remarkably consistent.

I represent rural areas in Maryland, and they do have this issue, but it has not been a dominant issue.

It is interesting my friend from Arizona mentioned small business, because this morning on my way into the Capitol--I go home every night to Baltimore--I had a meeting with small business leaders in Prince George's County. We noticed this…

I want to know what priority you intend to place on the Civil Rights Division within the Department of Justice.

Without objection, they will be made part of the record.

Chairman Leahy apologizes for not personally being here today.

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