Susan Collins

I know that in my State, I've seen thousands of individuals who have seen their retirement nest eggs shrink.

What I'm thinking of is there is a problem with foreign exchanges and what rules they're going to play by.

I look forward to working with both of you, and with Chairman Durbin to ensure that you have the resources and the tools you need to ensure investors are protected and that markets are functioning properly.

I want to salute you for your leadership in securing significant increases for both these agencies during your chairmanship of this subcommittee.

Protecting investors is more compelling than ever since many first-time investors have turned to the markets to help secure their retirements.

I personally believe that they're still underfunded and that more work needs to be done.

Another reform that we need is the ability to identify and prevent what I refer to as regulatory black holes.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Aggressive enforcement is absolutely critical, but there's another way that's important for protecting investors.

I am convinced that we not only need to make sure these two agencies have the resources necessary but that we need to proceed with regulatory reform.

Just two final questions from me. Senator Levin and I have introduced a bill that would repeal the language that prohibits the Commodity Futures Trading Commission from regulating derivatives.

Just a week ago Maine's fuel dealers were in my office saying that they believe excessive speculation by noncommercial players is once again driving up the cost of oil.

I personally don't think this makes any sense at all because to me, the whole reason we have an SEC is to act to protect consumer investors.

I just want to express some concern also about the President's budget in the area of the zeroing out of the rural empowerment zones...

Can you assure us that you will work with the Maine Congressional Delegation to ensure that these facilities are constructed making the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars?

We need more emphasis on military construction to properly modernize and maintain the industrial infrastructure to support our military in the 21st century.

I continue to be concerned about the lack of alignment between the branches' funding timelines.

The results of the census significantly affect both the allocation of Federal resources and political power ultimately.

We simply cannot afford to waste time and money on critical programs that do not produce results.

The results of the census be accurate, objective, credible, and free from even the appearance of political influence.

The Constitution clearly requires the government to conduct an actual enumeration of the population every 10 years.

I believe transparency is a very powerful antidote to attempts for partisan influence.

I do not know how anyone who looks at the evidence and hears the testimony we have heard today could vote otherwise than to extend this important program.

I want to reinforce what the Chairman said.

The program's popularity is illustrated by the long line of parents waiting to enroll their children.