To keep that is going to be critically important.

Do you support maintaining the existing boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary?

So, no, you haven't. That's fine. So, no, no is the answer.

Do you believe that there was a culture of enabling and covering up the actions of a predator over 20 years at MSU?

I've introduced, actually, legislation with Senator Young, to require that NOAA update the Great Lakes coastal maps at least once every 7 years.

One thing that the survivors feel very strongly about and I think many of us believe is true is that you should bring outside perspective into leadership.

when you think about fast-growing startup companies, you might think about Silicon Valley, Boston, or Boulder. Though all these cities certainly have very vibrant ecosystems, innovative startups and small businesses are launching and…

After more than a year without a Board quorum, what is your plan to adjudicate the more than 1,250 cases currently awaiting a decision from the Merit Systems Protection Board?

So what is your understanding of how this backlog occurred in the first place?

I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 346. Miss RICE of New York. Mr. Chair, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 346.

I am going to want to ask the three of you some of your thoughts on proposed legislation, the Modern Employment Reform Improvement and Transformation (MERIT) Act...

In a merit-based system, jobs to civil servants are not handed out based on political backgrounds or financial contributions.

A stable civil service is essential for maintaining a level of consistency, reliability, and competence in the American Government.

The American people deserve... information that is quantifiable.

I was unable to attend yesterday's vote on the nomination of Scott Stump, of Colorado, to be Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Department of Education. Had I been able to attend, I would have supported the…

We want to work closely with you to figure out how we get to that 21st Century.

I do not think we need that. I want them to have one agency to make sure that catfish is safe when I eat it or ship it, but you do not need multiple agencies.

We have to stop letting the process get in the way of meaningful reform.

To hear that process, I assume this will be fully transparent as it actually works itself through?

But some of those problems are as a result of Congress because Congress has jurisdiction, and every committee has jurisdiction over certain agencies.

This will not be a black box? You are willing to talk to us even if we do not have a chance to have a hearing?

I would hope that you would also be very active in coming to us.

Being from the State of Michigan, we have a lot of international border... it is a significant part.

today I would like to recognize a very special Michigander. It is my pleasure to welcome Tom Stephenson of Greenville, MI, and his family to Washington, DC, and to have them in the Senate Gallery right now. Tom is joined by his parents…

It is about our right to be treated equally under the law without regard to race, national origin, or religion.