I have already alerted the leadership that we need a vehicle in order to deal with this, and I know that the leader's office is looking at this now.

And please keep us informed. We want to work with you together on that issue.

Good transportation programs can empower communities and provide jobs.

Well, a six-day processing time is certainly very reasonable, so I am glad to hear that.

We have to maintain our existing infrastructure.

I would be interested, as the PPP program is coming to an end, how well the administrative changes on returning citizens and those with student debt, how they were utilized.

I strongly endorse this bill.

We will do our best.

We have an opportunity in this Congress to move forward on a bipartisan proposal.

I have heard President Biden talk about narrowing the systemic discriminations in our system.

The tax gap is huge, and we really need to deal with it.

I ask unanimous consent that I be permitted to complete my remarks before the scheduled vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered Cicadas

I am fortunate enough to live in Baltimore, and I say that because I can commute every night to home, which is a real pleasure, to be able to be with my family in the evening. My wife Myrna and I normally take a morning walk before I start…

I want to thank all of you for joining on this important and timely hearing on the role the Federal Government must play in supporting minority and women-owned businesses.

I would invite members of the Committee to join me to visit Poplar Island and see first hand how we have restored biodiversity in reclaiming the Bay.

We have lost a lot of wetlands in the Chesapeake Bay through development and through sea level increases.

Poplar Island environmental restorations cost more up front, but they save us money over a longer period of time.

Biodiversity is critically important to the Chesapeake Bay.

I want to get your view of how important it is for us to restore islands such as Poplar Island or Blackwater Wildlife Refuge.

just having something is better than nothing.

The American Jobs Plan is really a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a significant investment in the infrastructure of our Nation.

We did talk about the mentorship programs and the limitations that are there with the way that it has been merged with the Protege program.

I want to talk about two areas where I would hope we would expand trade opportunities.

I would just respond by saying under PEPFAR we did provide substantial resources in order to be able to complete a task of health infrastructure in the country.

I understand that you are reviewing the 2021 trade agenda for promoting equitable growth around the world.