Frank Lautenberg

I reminded you, in my question, that the report was due last year. And to be told now that, 'Well, they'll get it done when the comment period is over,' that is outrageous.

Get on the stick, here. Get going. This is an outrage, that it has taken so long.

One of the things that I think is quite apparent here is that we're late on lots of things.

I think I speak for the entire Committee when I say that I hope the Administration will be sending up a new nominee--and one who we can confirm--as soon as possible.

In January, I asked the Department of Justice for information about the June 2009 shooting of two soldiers in Arkansas by Abdulhakim Muhammad, who claims to be a member of Al Qaeda.

I think it is better to be stuck in traffic than dead, and I think that has to influence the balance.

Please include ignition interlock sanctions in your bill, and please support the ROADS SAFE Act.

To conclude, I thank you again, Madam Chairman and Ranking Member Inhofe, for your leadership on this issue.

Senators Lautenberg and Udall have introduced legislation which mirrors the Oberstar-Mica language, pushing States to require all drunk driving offenders to use an interlock for at least 6 months, potentially saving 4,000 lives.

As Senator Lautenberg mentioned, the research on ignition interlocks is crystal clear and irrefutable.

I wrote the helmets required law for motorcyclists in 1991.

Is it likely that the use of these devices would assist in that endeavor?

A proven method to reduce drunk driving is through the use of ignition interlock devices.

The statistics tell us that there is danger ahead if we increase the use of these larger trucks on our highways.

The Department of Transportation has determined that this law is responsible for saving more than 24,000 lives since it was written.

I have fought to make our roads safer.

One need only be on our highways to see how critical it is.

In fact, according to the FBI, the most 'at-risk' area in the entire United States for a terrorist attack is the two-mile stretch between Newark Liberty International Airport and the Port of Newark.

These teams are vital. They protect sensitive coastal areas from terrorists and can be rapidly deployed by air, sea or ground.

But if I might divert for just a minute to say to you that our hearts go out to those in West Virginia who have lost their lives.

We always find ways to give assignments to the Coast Guard. First of all, your weakness is your skill. You're too good.

New Jersey has the questionable distinction of having the most dangerous 2-mile stretch in the country, declared by the FBI, for a terrorist attack.

I'm not happy, as you are aware, sir, that we are closing the security unit at the Port of New York.

Preventing another terrorist attack from occurring within our borders is our solemn duty--and the Coast Guard plays a vital role in that effort.

How about illegal voracious fishing within our territorial limits by foreign vessels? Is that a problem for you?