Susan Collins

I'm a big supporter of job training and apprenticeship programs that match workers' training with the skillsets in demand.

A fair playing field for American workers is certainly a priority for me, and I strongly support promoting human rights and free markets for the benefit of workers generally.

I recognize the difficulty that many employers face in this area and the potential repercussions for vital industries across the country.

If confirmed, what ideas do you have for helping older workers in my State and others who have lost jobs due to mill closures and other factors?

The so-called skinny budget that was released last week proposes large cuts in the Department of Labor, but it's unclear what happens to TAA.

I introduced a bill with Sen. Cantwell that would have given employers a $5,000 tax credit to provide apprenticeship programs.

Despite the success of the TAA program, there still is a category of workers in my State who are older workers who are in many ways the forgotten story of this economic recovery.

The mission of the department that you've been nominated to lead, to create more opportunities for American workers.

International partners and allies on the F-35 program play a critical role in helping to drive down the costs of that aircraft, as well as ensuring interoperability with our NATO allies.

I completely agree with you, it is an abdication of responsibility, and I hope it is something that whatever the Administration does, our committee deals with and the Congress deals with.

As Senator Collins indicated, this is sometimes a very lengthy process, and it can be costly.

I hope when we get to the markup stage, that the bill that Senator Claire McCaskill and I introduced as a result of the investigation we did in the Aging Committee will be part of our consideration.

The collaboration that you talked about that has allowed the artificial pancreas to come to market 3 years earlier, I believe you said, than otherwise would be the case is going to make such a tremendous difference in the lives of so many…

We are facing the expiration date of September 30 for four laws that authorize these extraordinarily important fee programs that have helped to improve the healthcare, and the availability of medications and devices for the American people.

This is an example of a project that also had implications for our national security as well.

In Maine, we have seen the ability to use TIGER grants for regional projects with New Hampshire.

Thank you. That is very helpful.

If the funding for the Airport Improvement Program remains flat, how would an increase in the Passenger Facility Charge benefit small and medium hub airports?

I am shocked that you would suggest state legislators have more courage than members of Congress.

Today, our subcommittee is holding this hearing on the state of our nation's transportation infrastructure and potential funding and financing options to help meet the long-term needs of our nation.

I'm concerned about reports that the President is changing the composition of the so-called Principals Committee on the National Security Council.

I am proud of the Committee's work on this crucial issue to help seniors become more aware and informed, and to put criminals on notice that they will be stopped and brought to justice.

This Committee's longstanding dedication to fighting fraud against seniors is raising awareness and prompting enforcement actions that are making a real difference.

The criminals who prey on seniors are relentless. They will harass seniors until they have drained every penny in their life savings.

I really appreciated not only the settlement with Western Union that is going to lead to some restitution, but the quick work of the Inspector General's Office for Tax Administration that really stopped a fraud in progress.