Thad Cochran

But we are here to learn from our witnesses, and so I am going to ask that my full statement be printed in the record and express the hope, again, that our good work can result in a strong and robust safety net being created for our…

I am looking forward to working with you and all the members of the committee as we move forward in the 113th Congress.

We need to give producers the tools to manage the risks from those weather events and other risks.

We passed a bill that gave farmers the risk management tools they need to protect against disasters.

Unless adjustments are made, enactment of a year-long continuing resolution could be very problematic for USCG's ability to recapitalize its assets in a timely manner.

It would be a misguided effort if we turned it all over to the administration, though, to come in and rewrite an appropriations bill.

The right answer to address sequestration is not to attempt to make the cuts themselves more manageable, as no amount of flexibility can avoid the significant and harmful consequences brought on by sequestration.

These are real challenges that we face, too little money trying to solve too many problems.

The administration can't just send out edicts--'this is how much money each Department, agency, or program is going to get.'

Let me join with the Senator from Maryland in commending all Senators for the expeditious way we have been able to move this bill but in particular the chairwoman herself, who has provided strong leadership, capable leadership, and…

These provisions included in the ACA were originally in the Congenital Heart Futures Act, which garnered bipartisan support.

I am pleased in joining my colleagues in commending and congratulating our distinguished colleague from Texas. Her service in the Senate has truly been outstanding and she has made an impact in our Committee on Appropriations. We have…

As an example, I think about the special operations riverine training areas on the border of Louisiana and Mississippi.

So the training of some of our Nation's best military forces along this river continues to be interrupted by Hurricane Katrina debris.

Take a look at that and see if that process can't be re-examined in an effort to use common sense and fairness.

I know the citizens of my State have kept those affected by Hurricane Sandy in their thoughts and prayers.

We will forever be grateful to people from all across America who helped us rebuild and recover after Hurricane Katrina.

Senator Landrieu and I worked very hard on it to try to implement some of the lessons learned from previous storms.

I anticipate that any upcoming request for supplemental appropriations from the President will inform this Committee's judgment about the funding that may be necessary for recovery.

Mississippians understand all too well the important roles that FEMA and HUD play in aiding with disaster recovery.

I think the key is that as we go forward and we look at the number of required MPA days, that would allow the Air Guard and the Reserve to continue functioning, that we take a 'no kidding' look at what are the requirements.

I'm looking forward to going down to the Mississippi gulf coast for the christening of the USS Mississippi, the newest submarine that will be joining the fleet.

Mr. Chairman, thank you very much for convening the hearing.

I can't thank you enough for what you've done to make us who we are today and we're very proud to serve the Nation.

Can you tell the subcommittee what the cost savings are associated with the proposed reduction of two National Guard Weapons of Mass Destruction/Civil Support Teams (WMD-CSTs)?