Olympia Snowe

We need to think of some kind of reasonable cyber training.

I want to thank you, Madam Chair, for certainly handling this nomination in such an expeditious fashion

It is crucial that the question as to whether or not it would be possible in the numerous stimulus programs benefit small businesses and so we must ensure that there is through oversight.

And when you talk about one of your three goals, which are absolutely right on target, to work across agencies, this is one area where you truly can, because they are required to meet a statutory goal, and repeatedly the agencies have…

It would be useful for you to look at that proposal, the Small Business Health Options Program Act, or SHOP Act.

Unfortunately, we haven't been able to reach a consensus in Congress on how to address that issue.

It is really crucial that we address that as part of it, and particularly during the course of this recession.

I strongly advise that you ensure these provisions are implemented very quickly, because I don't think that we can afford an economic vacuum when it comes to small businesses who already, as you well know, are shuttering their doors all…

I appreciate that, because in just talking to some Maine bankers yesterday, they were indicating that some of these initiatives will be truly effective and crucial and helpful to small businesses.

I think that women are going to be leading the way.

There's very little competition in the insurance market.

And when is this system going to be established?

The reality was that the data was all smoke and mirrors

There are no options, essentially, in many of these States.

The combined market share of the five largest insurance companies now controls 75 percent of the market.

Obviously it was a very convenient sample for the insurance company, but a raw deal for consumers.

Millions of Americans who required health care services were at the mercy of a small medical data company called Ingenix

You heard Senator Snowe describe the consolidation of the health insurance market, to the point of real market control, without enforcement action.

What about balance billing, which is another issue that--you know, that, unfortunately, so many individuals are having to pay because of an underpaid insurance, so the doctor goes directly to the patient to recover those charges.

Given the devastating effects of the current economic crisis, I believe that the Department of Commerce must first and foremost focus on the preservation and creation of American jobs.

I think it comes at an especially critical time for the Commerce Department.

I certainly want to commend you. And you're obviously assuming the helm of this agency at a very critical time in its history.

I think we need to know more, for example, with regards to the current economic crisis that's not only impacting this country but impacting the world.

The question is, does this pass the straight-face test? Can I vote for things with this kind of spending that really doesn't stimulate the economy?

I know we discussed this as well, an Inspector General for the entire intelligence community.