Congress is very much interested in the fee waiver program.

As I said in the introduction to Mr. Manger's question, our Committee wants to work with the SBA to accomplish the mission in helping underserved communities.

If you are going to deal with the disparities that we heard about, the wealth disparity in this country, you have got to deal with entrepreneurship.

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

I rise today with my colleagues Senators Collins, King, Brown, Markey, Murphy, Menendez, Warren, Klobuchar, Blumenthal, Hassan, Jones, Van Hollen, Casey, Baldwin, and Donnelly to recognize the week beginning September 9th, 2018 as National…

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

I rise today in great sadness to address the passing of Senator John McCain, which marks a deep loss for this country, for his State of Arizona, and, above all, for his family and friends. John McCain was an honorable public servant who…