I was, and am, disappointed to see that the budget continues to request a substantial investment for high-speed rail at a time when too many of our roadways and bridges are crumbling.

short-term extensions drive up the cost because contractors cannot plan.

I appreciate the inclusion of reform proposals designed to simplify the program structure and improve upon project delivery to bring the benefits of these investments to the public sooner.

It is equally important to our economic future that we rein in Federal spending and keep our national debt under control.

And I want to report to you that it is going extremely well, that shipments are up, the track is being repaired so the service is so much better.

There are unscrupulous motor carriers that reregistered themselves under new identities in an effort to evade accountability.

And I think that is directly due to the fact that you have personally made it a priority, and put a real spotlight on it.

If safety is our number one priority, which it is, then it has to be safety in all modes including trucking and busing.

the budget request for fiscal year 2013 for Weapons Activities is $372 million less than was projected in the President's Section 1251 Plan.

the implications of this new approach by the New England district is bringing to a halt a lot of very important economic development projects.

I appreciate your response which is, you know, we are trying to compensate for the fact that we will not see this money go up again.

The Corps has permitting responsibilities under section 404 of the Clean Water Act for development activities that may occur in wetlands.

I do think it is very important and that it is going to require a sustained, clear Federal investment in order to secure the matching private investment and bring this to fruition.

the Corps has required up to 25 acres to be permanently protected.

The Majority Leader has made the stunning statement that he does not intend to take up the President's budget.

my support for New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) was influenced in part by the administration's commitment to modernize the U.S. nuclear weapons complex.

Like many of our witnesses, I have always believed that bipartisanship and compromise are the key to tackling the major problems confronting our Nation.

I just want to second your concluding comments and thank all of our witnesses today for appearing and for sharing their very thoughtful testimony.

I want to take up the challenge of a better way to accomplish the goal.

The State of Maine has a long, proud history of supplying superb jurists to the Federal bench.

I happen to follow that rule. I am one of very few Republicans who did not sign the Grover Norquist pledge.

I would point out that the House did pass a budget resolution.

Thank you, Madam Chairman.

Today we are marking 1,050 days since the Senate has passed a budget.

I was a supporter of the New START treaty. I was one of the Republicans who did vote for the treaty.