Amy Klobuchar

How about the idea of some kind of increased criminal penalties for this kind of activity?

I believe that we have enjoyed the--'enjoyed' probably is not the best word, but we have benefited from the tougher restrictions on scrap metal dealers in the State of Minnesota.

The Klobuchar-Hatch bill puts recordkeeping requirements on scrap yards and metal dealers, and I believe it is an effective step in deterring this crime.

I think that it would go a long way in solving a problem.

I think that forcing or mandatorily forcing some restrictions on the scrap metal dealers is a good thing.

I would look at it two ways. One is the penalties, but the other is to try to stop them from basically selling their wares in the first place.

We think these measures would help us to catch them.

Both Senator Hatch and I have made statements that we do not see it that way.

However, to effectively stem metal theft across the country, Congress must act to ensure that these crimes do not find their way into other States.

The Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association supported tougher laws and restrictions on scrap metal dealers and were instrumental in helping pass laws that provided for the same.

Thank you very much, Senator Hatch, and it is always good to do things on a bipartisan basis around here, and I am glad we are doing that.

I am very glad about that, and I think this has been really helpful.

We look forward to working with you.

In Minnesota, we are, as Senator Klobuchar alluded to, fortunate that we have tighter restrictions and regulations on scrap metal dealers.

Senator Hatch and I have introduced a bill that would place modest but important recordkeeping requirements on metal dealers in order to deter copper thefts.

Today we have a hearing with three goals: The first is to review the scale and scope of the metal theft problem as a criminal problem; we want to assess the threat that it poses to public safety and our critical infrastructure; and we want…

Today's hearing will examine the problem of metal theft in our country, the public hazards that this crime creates, and the challenges facing law enforcement as they attempt to combat this crime.

It is keep privacy and the trust of the American people.

How money is divided and also congressional seats, something my State cares a lot about right now.

I think everyone knows by law that they have to do the census.

We like participation, and hopefully that will transcend with the census as well.

I think it is interesting because, as you said, you are a State that has oil, natural gas, but you had some popular bi-partisan support for putting a renewable electricity standard in place.

I particularly wanted to welcome the Governor of my neighboring State, North Dakota, Governor Hoeven.

I have been disappointed by the House renewable standard. I just really do not think it is going to get us to where we want to go.

I am the co-chair of the E911 caucus along with Senator Burr and we have been focusing on emergency issues in Minnesota.