the bottom line is the 7(a) program is the largest program we have, and the numbers there are unacceptable.

Mr. Chairman, let me just agree with your observation about the work of this committee, bipartisan, on behalf of small business.

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the Scudder nomination?

I'm concerned about the Administration's efforts to cut the SBA budget.

I want to drill down a little bit on a challenge, especially in those small businesses that need loans under $250,000 in which women and minorities are finding it very challenging to get financing.

I want to know what efforts and services you use in order to reach out to minority businesses as part of OPIC's function.

We want to make sure that it is an inclusive operation, giving opportunities for minority businesses, small businesses, to participate.

I strongly support OPIC's functions. We have many Maryland companies that have benefited by it.

It is certainly bipartisan, and it is focused on clean, safe water for our Nation, advancing water infrastructure for both public health and our economy.

I agree we should be doing these reauthorizations every 2 years in order to make sure that the authorizations are contemporary with need.

This was once a habitable island that had gotten down to about five acres. It is now being restored to thousands of acres.

I am proud of the impact this will have on the State of Maryland.

the Chesapeake Bay, obviously, is a matter of major concern.

I rise today to discuss the recent rise of anti- Semitism and racism in our communities. As Members of Congress, we have an enormous responsibility to take strong action and stand up against intolerance before it takes root in the next…

I take this time because I know that shortly we are going to be voting on Mr. Pompeo's nomination as Secretary of State, and I want to explain to my colleagues why I cannot support his nomination. As I said in the Senate Foreign Relations…

I just hope you would follow up on what is happening in Maryland.

Just to thank our witnesses and to point out the challenges we have. You could do everything right and you still can get attacked.

The bill also required the two agencies to report back to our two authorizing committees with a strategy on how they are going to deal with cybersecurity.

I think this is very important, your bill.

I authored a report in January that talked about Mr. Putin's designs in regards to our democratic institutions.

It will be interesting to see how that works, because we could look at that at the national level.

The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act included language that this Committee had reported out, that required the SBA and the Department of Homeland Security to collaborate on cyber strategies for small businesses.

We recognize that the small business community is the driving force for our economy.

Rarely is this reported, which points out another problem.

Elkridge, Maryland, is a wonderful place. I pass it twice a day.