I really do want to give a special shout-out to the Federal workers at the EPA because I just think they do a tremendous job protecting our air and our water.

We were dealing then with the aftermath and the report back from the bridge collapsing in Minnesota.

We do know that neglected problems have a way eventually of falling down on us.

I shudder to think that every time I am driving, I have to actually look up in addition to paying attention.

One of the challenges that I found on our Transportation Committee is getting reports back about how much of those significant Federal dollars went down and out to minority- and women-owned businesses.

We must do a better job in allowing those creative individuals the opportunity to have the financing necessary to achieve their dream.

Well, first of all, thank you very much, Senator Cardin, for being here, and particularly in Prince George's County.

It is a matter of the values of America. We believe that everyone should have the opportunities of this country.

And so I want to ask you, especially in some untraditional sectors, like transportation, like research and technology, how it is that we could function as a Federal Government in our oversight capacity in the Congress and try to tease out…

If we deny a segment of our community its full potential, we lose the strength in our economy.

Minority businesses represent 35 percent of the population but only 22 percent of the businesses.

It is important because, you know, the public believes that the work that you are undertaking now is entirely your own, and you are entirely footing the bill.