But, obviously, there's a great deal of interest in being able to use devices on these flights and a great deal of skepticism, I would say, among the traveling public about whether this really is a safety issue.

the $637 million reduction from sequestration must be implemented in a way that ensures safety while minimizing the impact to the traveling public

It certainly seems duplicative to me in terms of the purpose of the AIP program.

I share your belief that effective training of VA personnel--the purpose for the conferences--is necessary.

Frankly, the point that Senator Collins brought up about excessive medications and the resulting outcomes, which we've witnessed in the form of sexual assault and regular assault, and threats on VA employees, veteran-on-veteran threats and…

I personally believe we're going to end up paying more later in a lot of these cases.

I think this is absolutely critical and really could make a difference.

It is so important for this committee and this Congress to return to regular order.

That's a very disturbing list of airports, because that suggests a widespread problem and with real money, hundreds of millions of dollars.

the total number of runway incursions increased 21 percent between fiscal year 2011 and 2012 from 954 to an all-time high of 1,150.

the challenges that the FAA faces throughout the remainder of this fiscal year and into the next fiscal year are truly daunting

It seems inconsistent with the criteria that was used, but I will submit the rest of my questions for the record in light of the votes.

I agree that sequestration was a terrible policy. It doesn't set priorities.

I fully understand that you're restructuring AIP to drop the larger airports and allow an increase in the passenger facility limits.

I'm introducing a bipartisan bill that will require the Attorney General to work with the VA, with Secretary Shinseki, and with the Secretary of Defense, to implement drug take-back programs.

Some experts have contended that the Dreamliner incidents have revealed that the FAA lacks the expertise to effectively test and evaluate new technologies.

I rise to discuss the background check amendment proposed by our colleagues Senator Manchin and Senator Toomey. I grew up in northern Maine where responsible gun ownership is part of the heritage of virtually every family. In fact, I…

the curtailment of air traffic control services will increase operational risk

It is important that the $637 million reduction from the sequester be implemented in a way that ensures safety while minimizing the impacts to the traveling public.

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Amendment No. 715

the result will be furloughs, the closure of contract towers, and the elimination of midnight services, among other controversial cuts

I, too, think that it holds great potential, and I hope this is something that we will see the administration continue to encourage and fund some of the basic R&D that is necessary.

Which troubles me, because it's going up, not down.

I personally think that it's not fair for the Department to blame the readiness crisis entirely on sequestration.

First, let me associate myself with Senator Murray's comments about alternative jet fuels.