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.

Americans spend 4.2 billion hours a year stuck in traffic, at a cost of $78 billion a year to the economy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I appreciate that.