John Hoeven

I'd strongly urge you to do that. And I think that you've shown a willingness to work with them that I greatly appreciate.

Using those mediators could really be helpful.

Well, two things. First off, you're absolutely right.

That's the list I'm looking at.

We believe that any reduction in our funding below current levels would be a false economy.

I think that's absolutely the right approach. And I appreciate that.

Some are deferred maintenance, many of them. They need to be addressed.

So, the real issue is just programming, building an adequate firewall for that secure information.

You're operating on a computer system that requires, as I understand it that each of your employees use two computers.

Are there statutory changes that come to mind that would help you streamline any of that process?

I think there were a lot of places around the country--found out on 9/11 that, in terms of their radio systems and interoperability that they had some challenges.

We have to work within the confines that we have.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Your expertise is vital in the process.

So, your priority list is your priority list.

But, I think it's something to think about if there are statutory changes that would strengthen your ability to do some of these things more effectively or more efficiently, in a streamlined way--contract for services, any number of…

I want to commend you--and I may have to come back, in my next 5 minutes, to you, Ms. Chrisler.

Look, if we have to compress some budgets, you're going to have to do without some services.

I think that's right on. I mean, I would have to see your reaction across the board. I think it is right on.

I think you may be covering the same point that I want to explore for just a minute.

I agree on the 2-year--matter of fact, I'm cosponsoring legislation to go to a 2-year budget cycle.

What do you want? What don't you want? And there's an associated cost or reduction that goes with it.

We have to be mindful of those security requirements, too.

This is why it is essential that we get out of this rut that we are in and just kicking the can down the road, for whatever purpose.

That's actually deferred projects. So, this $128,982,000 is--that's what's coming someday, not----