what I find confounding about this entire crisis is the fact that these are, sort of, fundamentals that should have already been established.

But, that is also possible in developing a plan and having a response that's viable, in a worst-case scenario, both in the amount, in terms of the exigencies; and, of course, it must have indicated in the plan how far they're going to go.

the amendment that is pending that we have offered--and I add that also has been cosponsored by Senator Graham and Senator Menendez--would ensure that small businesses are considered in the federal rulemaking process by the Bureau of…

I wish to express my appreciation to the chairman for working so constructively to develop this amendment, to build a consensus, and to give a strong measure of assurance to the small business community about the intent of this legislation…

I thank the chairman of the committee, Senator Dodd, for being responsive and receptive to a number of amendments we have offered with respect to small businesses and for making sure there are not unintended consequences as a result of…

I think it is important to address these issues that are so fundamental to so many small businesses across the country. The first amendment I have made pending would reduce cumbersome and unnecessary restrictions on the banking industry…

This second amendment would fix an unintended consequence of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in the underlying legislation, which would have the effect of choking off access to credit by small business. According to the February…

it is important for us to get it right as we continue to spend the billions of dollars that are already embedded in the stimulus plan

One essential way of doing that is through broadband deployment.

There is a widening gap... the U.S. trade gap is widening in advanced technologies.

There are currently two herculean initiatives under way. The FCC has commissioned the National Broadband Plan and the Economic Recovery Act broadband stimulus funding programs, both of which will have far-reaching implications for small…

I commend all of you for working this way in unison, because that is what it will require.

I look forward to discussing the efficacy of these measures and am eager to explore other ways the Federal Government can encourage private investment and allow wireless and wireline companies to compete fairly in the broadband market…

I appreciate your advocacy and championing of the critical Federal efforts that are necessary to enhance affordable, high-speed Internet services for small businesses.

We have to be concerned about what is happening in our rural economies all across this country.

Could we have some sort of timetable that we envision this will happen throughout this country in terms of providing this deployment across the country?

So what can we do about that? I mean, that is a huge gap and a missed opportunity.

Well, do you think that it is going to be important for all industries to be working together to determine how best to allocate or to use it because there are so many users of the spectrum with specific reference to Federal agencies, for…

I would be interested in having a timeline about when this should all be happening.

I still think that small business is being underutilized in this economic recovery.

I think it is critical to have the collaboration that is represented here today among all the agencies.

40 years ago, Senator Gaylord Nelson attempted to bring attention to a degraded environment through a day dedicated to our planet. On April 22, 1970, environmental issues, as they are today, were challenging oxygen levels in the…

I think people would be surprised to what degree the fishing industry is regulated by the Federal Government.

We owe it to them to come up with answers now.

Acidification cannot be considered in a vacuum.