Kit Bond

I have very serious concerns about that.

If done properly, this cooperation between Government agencies could be a way to stretch responsibly taxpayer dollars and truly get the best bang for the buck.

I am still waiting for real transparency in the current administration grant making process.

That will be your----

I think if I had to characterize what it's like, it's like needing to design and implement at the same time.

And I thank you for outlining the tremendous budget squeeze we're going to be facing this year.

As a former Governor, I can tell you that looking to the States to make massive investments in high-speed rail is not going to happen anytime soon.

Thank you very much, Mr. Administrator. I am concerned that you talked about, 'We need to find some alternatives. We don't know what they are.'

But, it has to be less costly.

And I join you in welcoming all of our witnesses today.

A bunch of money was dumped on them with a bunch of requirements that were impossible to meet.

That was a mistake, in terms of cost, productivity. So, that is a signal not to put timelines on it.

We're up against the wall now.

I assure you, Mr. Administrator, we will have to do that.

Is there any performance bonus for those who meet it or penalties for those who don't?

We look forward to your sharing with us.

I suggest that's your problem, not ours.

Are there any dedicated sources of funding that you're looking at, outside of putting Acela-type trains on, that generate a profit?

So, we should absolutely ignore the $446 million request for Amtrak.

if that goes through, I am afraid that this will entail higher costs for energy production, for transportation, particularly for farmers.

So they would not have to pay a separate fee if they were doing that.

What we need in our society, I believe, is that the large swap dealers should be able to fail.

a lot of the small businesses back home are in commodities hedging where the contracts pose no systemic risk.

if they alter significantly the way people do business back home, we want to make sure reform is done right.

I am delighted you said they would not require an end-user to clear hedging.