Jeanne Shaheen

I think we are in agreement that efficiency is the first fuel, right, something that is the cheapest, fastest way to deal with our energy needs?

Well, one area where we know everybody could benefit is through energy efficiency.

Thank you both for being here.

You know, one of my favorite statistics is that 95 percent of markets are outside of the U.S., but only about one percent of small and medium-size businesses do business outside of the U.S.

One of the things that STEP does is help to level that playing field in a way that is really important to our small businesses.

For small States like New Hampshire, being able to maintain the 25 percent State match is really important, because we have fewer resources.

I think you pointed out that you have been able to add 22 additional employees as a result of the program, which I think is very impressive.

Thank you very much for holding this hearing and for the effort to reauthorize the STEP Program.

I just wonder if you all could talk a little bit about the kinds of things they ought to be thinking about.

One of the things that is in the legislation that we just proposed would make permanent the fee waivers for SBA loans to veterans.

I believe Senator Shaheen's Veterans Entrepreneur Act, which, among other things, makes the SBA loan fee waiver fees permanent, deserves speedy passage.

The Veterans Entrepreneurship Act, Senator Shaheen's legislation to make this fee waiver permanent, is an excellent idea.

I strongly supported her nomination then as I do now.

Cheryl has routinely demonstrated an unparalleled understanding of how to best address the challenges facing our energy regulatory environment.

The National Asthma Control Program helps millions of Americans control their disease.

I would urge you to make sure that there is a permanent person in charge of that effort in the future.

I would urge those discussions to go forward as expeditiously as possible.

I will be arguing on this committee that we should increase the amount of funding for LIHEAP.

Stakeholders in New Hampshire indicate that formula-driven grant programs provide a more sustained impact.

States like New Hampshire do not necessarily have the resources, such as staff, to submit competitive applications.

Focusing on educational equity is particularly important as we begin to anticipate the changing needs of our future workforce.

As the TPP is negotiated, we must ensure that we maintain the competitiveness of these industries in New Hampshire and the United States.

I thank Senator Cardin of Maryland and point out that I know this is an area where he also has worked very hard over many years. It is the kind of issue that men and women should be able to agree on. This is something that is not fair for…

I think this issue is outreach and I think a strong State and regional focus that is critical for both manufacturing and efficiency.

I think there are a number of mechanisms.