Olympia Snowe

The authorization of the grant amounts from a maximum of $150,000 to a minimum of $150,000.

Senator Snowe's bill really focuses on that and we are working with Senator Landrieu.

It is a very difficult and challenging time. There are so many things going on at the same time.

So, we must take stock of our ocean resources and examine the ways we can continue to utilize the goods and services our oceans provide while simultaneously redoubling our efforts to ensure that we are using our oceans sustainably.

We must take stock of our ocean resources and examine the ways we can continue to utilize the goods and services our ocean provides.

The oceans have been truly the lifeblood of Maine's economy.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for calling this hearing today to delve into the incredibly vital role the oceans play in our Nation's economy.

In Louisiana, the dead zone and so on has been a major conversation here, and we have made efforts concerning dead zones and hypoxia.

If we don't do that, everything else that we think matters about the ocean is over.

Ocean policy starts on land. It starts in St. Louis and the decisions that are made on the Mississippi River.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you very much for allowing me to go first.

If we are to really take a stand on protecting our oceans, we need to start with concern for the communities that are being impacted by the degradation of the oceans.

And let me ask you one other question. You have indicated that GM will be capable buying back the inventories from as many as 80 percent of the closed dealerships; will you be buying back parts and special tools as well?

That's not going to be true in Maine.

Well, you know, and just Mr. Press and Mr. Henderson, you say that and that's--that also sounds well and good, but these are individuals who have been faithful, and the one I cited for 80 years, and that's been generally true, 80 years…

It simply does not make--there is no economic rationale.

Yet the companies represented here this afternoon have provided no clarity with respect to exactly how or why they've come to the specific decisions that they have made; let alone provide any transparency with respect to these decisions or…

Thank you, Chairman Rockefeller. Welcome back and thank you for holding this very critical hearing today, Mr. Chairman, because obviously, we are all grappling with the devastating effects and the sad state of affairs when it comes to the…

A lot of our dealers were asked would you buy more Chryslers last year, so that we can avoid bankruptcy? And they did. And look where they stand today; they are asked to close their doors.

Unfortunately, there has not been a great track record by the Small Business Administration in the years because of not enough personnel to review these contracts and to make sure that they are living up to the obligations and living up to…

Unfortunately, they have been cut significantly.

So you expect that, through the stimulus work, that you can survive this year?

Because it is critical that we do it now because of this number, before it is too late.

Well, if I was running a small business, what would be the first step?

So we want to see that steady increase keep going and not plateau until it is at or above the 23 percent.