I want to join the Chairman in thanking former Inspector General Skinner for his extraordinary service.

But, clearly, the proposed rules--the initial rules were a gross overreach.

Even with the extra infusion of funds we have seen in recent years, Maine, like many other States, faces ongoing need for water infrastructure funding and significant budget pressures.

The Brunswick Naval Air Station is slated to close as an active military installation on May 31, bringing to a close a proud era in naval aviation in Brunswick, Maine.

I would note that what's remarkable about this letter is, it's almost equally divided between Democrats and Republicans, reflecting widespread concern, bipartisan concern, about the proposed boiler MACT rules.

If I had not been successful in my efforts to require the EPA to provide more time for compliance, small contractors would have faced steep fines, up to $37,500 per violation, per day.

Administrator, let me start with an issue that I hear about frequently from my constituents. I get calls, emails, letters, conversations all the time about constituents who are finding great difficulty in using an ethanol blended form of…

We wrote then that we were concerned that they would result in significant job losses to the forest products industry at a time when the industry was really struggling.

Well, I have to say that the Congress gave you that authority for a reason.

to set limits that are far more stringent than necessary to protect public health, at a time, particularly, when the economy's very fragile, really concerns me.

Unfortunately, all too often it seems Federal agencies do not take into account the impacts to small businesses and job growth before imposing new rules and regulations. And so, I am introducing three amendments to the Small Business…

I do recognize, in response to a letter that I spearheaded, that 40 Senators signed, the EPA's taking another look at those regulations.

I hope that it would be as long as possible, 60 to 90 days, so that there can be ample time to review the rules.

We need, however, to make sure that, as the EPA issues new regulations, that it does not create so many roadblocks to economic growth that it blocks out private investment, which is the key to a prosperous future.

I just hope the EPA will take a closer look at the implications.

Even the final rules would lead to the loss of thousands of jobs, at a time when our economy can least afford it.

I'm also concerned about whether we're sending mixed messages to both the American people and to the Afghans.

I would suggest to you that I do not think that the Iranians have an interest in a stable Afghanistan.

I rise today to speak about a program designed to address the unique needs of rural schools. The Rural Education Achievement Program, or REAP, is designed to help level the playing field for small and high-poverty rural school systems. It…

I am proud to once again cosponsor the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act. I am pleased to join with Senators Lieberman, Brown, and Carper in this effort to reauthorize these vital programs. I have always been an ardent supporter of our…

I am pleased to join my colleague from Maryland, Senator Mikulski, in introducing the Positive Aging Act, which will help to increase older Americans' access to quality mental health screening and treatment services in community-based care…

It's good to know that all the comments, I'm sure, will be fully evaluated.

Improving the efficiency and reliability of our Nation's transportation system is vital to the movement of people, freight, and goods.

The administration is proposing a $129 billion budget for DOT, a 66-percent increase more than the fiscal year 2010 enacted level.

if necessary, we're going to take over the budget negotiations, because we're confident we could produce a budget.