We have a phenomenal amount of respect. And I don't think there is one Member of this Committee that does not understand that we as a Congress can do better by the Coast Guard.

I am very pleased that we are going in the direction that we are going in because it is about making things better.

The SAR mission is one that the Coast Guard performs on a daily basis, and it is a mission central to what our Coast Guard is: a service of guardians willing to risk their own lives to save those in peril.

Let me just move on to another subject very quickly.

Are these people, most of them, in the pipeline, or are they already assigned?

This is an astounding milestone and one of which the Coast Guard and, indeed, the entire Nation are rightfully proud.

I would like to come down and visit, just to observe, if you don't mind.

But I agree with him, we cannot have another situation where we think we have everything under control and we don't.

As the government prepares for the 2009 flu season, we must take every measure to ensure that all Americans, but especially populations of concern including children and the elderly, are well prepared for the increased spread of H1N1.

As you know, being from Maryland, that 50 percent of all our HIV cases are in Baltimore.

We have in my district probably 100 senior houses with at least 400 or 500 elderly.

My concern is that being the largest State in the Union, and California being the first State that is a majority of minorities...

I don't want us to have another Katrina-type situation where we say that we're ready for something, and then when the time comes, there is--we say wait for the rubber to meet the road, and then we discover there is no road.

Thank you very much. And thank you, gentlemen, for your excellent testimony.

I do believe that sometimes--it is not your office--I will be very brief, Mr. Chairman--that we operate, sadly, in a culture of mediocrity in our country, and I will never forget Katrina as long as I live.

If we have a safe vaccine, which I do believe we have, we need to make sure that we do everything in our power to convince the public that it is important that they take advantage of it.

I would like to see them get vaccinated as part of the group that's particularly susceptible for getting complications from it.

I want us to put a microscope for a moment on the first category of people at high risk...

I want to make sure that the other folks, using this wonderful opportunity we have here, we need to let them know that they are at high risk right now.

The President issued Executive Order 13508 which directs the Federal Government to significantly expand its leadership of the ongoing effort to restore the Bay.

I want you all to go on record saying that you agree that there should be consequences.

In the Administration of President Barack Obama, we finally have a President who recognizes that the Bay is truly a national treasure.

The time for comprehensive health insurance reform is now.

The inclusion of a public option is key to promoting competition and bringing down costs.

Young women are facing high unemployment, 15.7 percent, and thus are less likely to have employer-based health insurance.