Ben Cardin

It is also holding down the growth potential of this country when we hold down entrepreneurship in minority communities.

There is a reason why venture capitalists are not investing as much in black businesses.

We know about the tremendous wealth disparity between the minority community, between women, and we need to bridge that gap.

The fact that black owners do not have the same ability for capital is against the values of this Nation.

This bill--the Water Resources Development Act--is going to be important for our country.

I just really want to add that under Senator Barrasso's and Senator Carper's leadership, our Committee worked very constructively on this.

One of our advantages in Western Maryland is that we have Deep Creek Lake, which gives us water, so we have plenty of water.

Senator Carper of Delaware is having their primary elections today, so it is understandable.

I would like to do that today, considering the weather we have here in Washington.

I think it would be advisable to keep the Committee informed as to what you are doing so that our staffs are fully aware.

I would suggest that you could get some help in doing that through the other three regional commissions that have been authorized for funding by the Congress.

I mention all that because I really do think one of your challenges is to promote what you do.

It is not the only grant that has been given by the Appalachian Regional Commission; they have given a grant to Allegheny College, which is also in the Appalachian Region, in Cumberland, to establish a STEM program.

I think the Chairman's question is one that was at least partially responsible for the President's team zeroing out your budget; that is, very few people know what you do.

We have had a bipartisan approach in New Hampshire, and I think in Congress, to these commissions

I got to know Harold in those days when he was working for Congressman Sununu and saw his good staff work

I believe that Harold Parker is well suited for the role.

There has been an effort to zero out funding for the NBRC, as well as some other regional commissions

We are committed to making sure the funding exists, but it is a challenge, I guess, for the leader to figure out how do you deal with OMB that hasn't exactly given you the broadest support signal.

We have not had consistent support from this Administration in funding these programs.

I applaud those that were in the Senate and House that initiated this effort. I know Senator Shaheen has been critically involved in that both as Governor and as Senator.

I do want to make an observation. It is normally not this quiet on this hallway, but there is something else going on today in the Senate on confirmation hearings which has a little bit more attention than this nomination hearing.

My view is we should accept the reality that Erdogan's Turkey will not be a partner.

I think a crisis of leadership. The allies are openly questioning whether we are leading effectively.

I, along with Senator Van Hollen have put out this idea of laying out ahead of time specifically what the penalties would be.