Susan Collins

I think that is just such a perfect example of why the face-to-face encounter is so important.

I am also, like the Chairman, concerned by the lack of transparency in the Social Security Administration's process for closing field offices or reducing their hours.

This is completely unrealistic. The fact of the matter is millions of seniors and disabled Americans are not accustomed to doing business online.

I applaud your holding this hearing on a topic of great concern to all of us, and that is, the impact on the beneficiaries of Social Security of the Social Security Administration's reduction of person-to-person services.

Opening Statement of Senator Susan M. Collins, Ranking Member

Senator Collins really should get some credit for this--we have been able to start to consolidate about one-fifth of all public housing into the Section 8 program.

During his tenure as HUD Secretary, Secretary Donovan has been widely recognized as an effective and knowledgeable leader.

I frequently was frustrated by the OMB Directors ignoring the 'M' in OMB.

We oppose Section 133 of the Senate THUD bill on both safety and jurisdictional grounds.

Dozens of Members of Congress, including Senator Collins, who authored the original legislative requirement, have written to the Federal Reserve Board saying that this application of bank regulation to insurance is inappropriate.

The University of Maine has developed a 'bridge in a backpack' for constructing short- to medium-length bridges in the field.

But it can be very difficult for a small business to comply with the cost of submitting a bid, with changing specifications, with rescoping of projects.

A strong partnership between the public and private sectors is vital to getting the most out of our R&D dollars.

Research and innovation reflect the American spirit of ingenuity.

Now look where we are today. We are backing off of our commitment to research, science, and technology.

Ignorance is no shelter or refuge.

Lagging investments in science and technology risk sacrificing America's technological edge to our enemies.

I have introduced a bill. It is called the America Cures Act.

As some of my colleagues know, I have never missed a vote, so this is making me very nervous as this vote ticks on.

That predictability, I think, is so important. I would actually like to see multiyear funding approved up front.

I strongly support more funding for biomedical research. I think it is one of the best investments that we can make.

We must continue to push for more funding and research.

I understand the Army is considering pulling some of its financial activities out of the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) office and handing them off to the Army's own accountants.

Well, I'm going to continue to push really hard on this. I've got a bill. I'm working with OMB (Office of Management and Budget), DEA, and it's just ridiculous that DEA is not more cooperative in this area.

The U.S. military will no longer be sized to conduct large-scale, prolonged, stability operations.