This is an issue of great importance to the men and women of the 8th District of Minnesota.

Members of the Committee, this piece of legislation has wide support back home in Minnesota and in my district and, quite frankly, just makes sense.

Thank you, Chairman Bishop and Ranking Member Grijalva, for holding today's important legislation and hearing.

I would just like to support--undying support for the United States Coast Guard.

I truly believe in your mission.

I think it should be our vessel and manned by our crews.

I am concerned at some of the steps recently taken to expand regulation and oversight on our industry that has done nothing to warrant such action.

I am sorry for your departure, but--and your wisdom for this great panel.

I reject the message from some on this committee and these hearings as doing anything but initiating an open process and not only protecting Muslim Americans, but protecting all Americans.

In these austere times I just question whoever put this in the budget.

You didn't believe in Pearl Harbor, sir, so I would question.