Thomas R. Carper: “We need to break those patterns that we have been locked into and be strategic and thoughtful how we do so.”

Public engagement can build trust, it can increase public buy-in, can help resolve issues, can help prevent litigation, and ultimately it can save time and money.

People ask me what I am proudest of in my life, and I always say, raising three boys, with a big assist from their mom.

Last year, the Environment and Public Works Committee held, I think, not one, but a couple of hearings on permitting, common theme at our hearings, on the importance of public engagement.

I am the last Vietnam Veteran serving in the U.S. Senate, and kind of relates to my great affection and interest in the postal issues.