Susan Collins

Many of us are disappointed in the President's budget. We believe that it does far too little to rein in spending to bring the Federal debt under control.

I would be glad to work with you, but FEMA needs to actually start recovering this money and making sure that the controls are in place so that when the next disaster strikes--and inevitably it will--the same thing does not happen again.

We just cannot afford to have $643 million in improper payments at a time when the budget is under such pressure.

It spends and borrows too much. It will lead to a record $1.6 trillion deficit in the next fiscal year.

I was surprised to see that the President's budget includes a proposal to begin imposing a $5.50 inspection fee on travelers entering the United States by air or sea from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Protecting our Nation and our citizens is not just a line item. It has to be a top priority.

That really is an impossible situation.

I agree with you and I look forward to working with you and the Secretary and my colleagues trying to come up with a solution.

It's very difficult for those of us who have worked with you for a number of years to recognize that this is most likely your last Navy posture hearing.

I think it not only is disruptive, but it's going to end up costing us more money in the long run.

I am also encouraged that a second DDG-51 ship was included in the fiscal year 2014 budget as I had recommended.

The President's budget request precludes enrollment in the U.S. Family Health Plan for beneficiaries who reach 65 years of age.

I applaud you for holding accountable both military and civilian personnel who have failed to perform adequately.

I am really concerned about whether we are providing that same kind of support to the Guard and Reserve.

It is inconceivable to me that we have spent the past 10 days debating the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization.

When will the supervisors that filed such misleading officer evaluation reports regarding Major Hassan be held accountable?

There is just no need for us to be debating a bill that is not urgent when we should be doing a high priority bill.

I urge our colleagues to support this amendment. I think it is a balanced approach that will give these employees more rights than they currently have without interfering with the essential mission of this law enforcement agency.

If the program were eliminated the students would have to return to, for the most part, these schools designated 'in need of improvement.'

D.C. schools did not get bad overnight, they are not going to become good overnight.

I believe that unless there is a three-sector approach, the money for D.C. public schools and D.C. public charter schools, will be in jeopardy.

I know that we all have the same goal. We may have different means of getting there, but our goal is the same.

Well, on the Catholic schools, I will tell you that based on my discussions with the Archdiocese, the reason that those schools have now become charter schools is they basically are bankrupt.

In your testimony, and just now in response to Senator Lieberman, you supported Secretary Duncan's proposal.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and let me thank you not only for your eloquent statement this morning, but for continuing this fight.