Susan Collins

I look forward to hearing his views on how the regulatory burdens on our economy, especially on our smaller businesses, can be lightened or simplified.

The struggling economy has challenged our Nation's entrepreneurial spirit. We are recovering and that recovery will come from the innovative and bold job creators of America's small business community.

We are beginning this review with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

Senator Collins and I have been working on this, as well, in our e-rulemaking bill.

I want to thank the Chairman for holding this hearing today and also for agreeing to schedule another hearing soon on the many legislative reform proposals that have been referred to our Committee.

Believe me; that made my day.

I believe that that investment of $26.3 million will help jump start the investment.

That kind of collaborative interdisciplinary approach is absolutely essential when you are trying to spur innovation further.

I am very excited about the work that is going on at the University of Maine.

I think it is important that we move forward.

I feel I need to clarify that rock from Maine is not responsible for cost growth from $15 million to $100 million.

The condition of the river constitutes an emergency and that it must be addressed in order to meet the scheduled delivery of this military asset.

I hope that you will work very closely with all of the parties, BIW, the Navy, the lobstermen, the clammers.

Obviously, the ability of ships to enter and depart Bath Iron Works is of vital importance to our national security.

Reserve component members returning from combat to civilian communities are often geographically dispersed from military bases.

If there are additional resources or programs that must be implemented to ensure the behavioral and mental health needs of reservists and guardsmen returning from war and their families are fully met, please describe those proposals.

Do you believe you have adequate mental health and behavioral health personnel in the appropriate locations to reach all of the returning Reserve and National Guard servicemembers?

What is the projected funding for the next 5 years for the YRRP and the Military and Family Counseling programs?

It is wonderful to have two women Senators introducing the woman who has been nominated to be the first female to be a Federal District Judge in Maine.

I was impressed by her dedication and passion for the law.

She has remarked that she is proudest of her criminal prosecution efforts because of the urgent need to protect the public from violent criminals.

She is eminently well qualified to be confirmed as U.S. District Judge for Maine.

I am afraid that, since 9/11, the message that information sharing is critical has dissipated.

During a recent dinner with the women of the Senate, we decided that, if necessary, we're going to take over the budget negotiations, because we're confident we could produce a budget.

I know that, last week, you testified before the Judiciary Committee, and were asked about our report, and discussed the improvements FBI has undertaken in response to our recommendations.