Using these preexisting conditions as a reason to deny anyone health insurance is unacceptable.

I believe that Congress, the Navy, and the Marine Corps need to work together to develop an action plan to take care of the victims that were exposed to this contaminated water.

I would like to begin by thanking you for holding this important hearing and for giving me the courtesy of allowing me to make a brief statement concerning an issue that is so important to me and many of my constituents.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony regarding S.1767--the Blue Ridge Parkway and Town of Blowing Rock Land Exchange Act of 2009.

I sincerely want to extend my gratitude to my esteemed colleague, Senator Richard Burr, for working so hard with me.

I also want to thank President Obama for selecting such exemplary nominees.

I had high hopes for increasing the number of North Carolinians on this court.

I know that the issue of violence against women is extremely important to this administration.

Thank you, Senator Schumer and others on the Committee for your taking the time to conduct the hearing here this afternoon.

I am deeply honored to be nominated by President Obama for the position of Director of the Office on Violence Against Women.

One of my goals, as a Senator, is for government to be open and accessible to the constituents of my State and the Nation.