I believe it is now time to act.

I think we have to move this legislation quickly. It is hard for me to believe that people oppose hate crimes legislation.

It makes no sense for the main agency stationed along the border to lack power to arrest criminals there.

I am glad that you and Secretary Napolitano have come to an agreement.

I think we can still protect whistleblowers and people like that, and at the same time not deal with state secrets.

Our bill is a balanced bill, and we need you to get on board as quickly as possible, and we are willing to make changes.

I hope the direction will continue.

I could not think of a more well-prepared nominee, someone who cares more about the agency.

Fix the agency or we will fix it for you.

I remember that Julius demonstrated a passion for consumer rights from the day he came to Congress.

It is critical that safety expertise be represented in every decision that FAA makes about the airline industry.

It is unacceptable that any training program leave pilots unprepared to deal with crisis conditions.

FAA must crackdown on issues of pilot rest, compensation, and training, especially with these young airlines.

I would also like to say how much I admire the family members of the victims of Continental Connection Flight 3407.

I am proud to represent the people from Western New York. They are a resilient community...

The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:45 p.m., in Room SR-301, Russell Senate Office Building.

The crash of Flight 3407 in Clarence, NY claimed 50 lives, and serves as a tragic reminder that our Nation's aviation industry is not immune to tragic accidents.

That is unacceptable operation for an agency that needs to put safety above all else.

I had a few other questions, but I will submit them in writing, if you don't mind.

I will enforce that rule as articulated by the FEC.

Don't we expect a bump next week?

How much of the capital program funds do you anticipate will be repaid next week, in the next 6 months, next year?

Several firms feel they are going to be at a disadvantage if their competitors are approved for repayment before they are.

You cannot rob Peter to pay Paul. Mass transit funds are more precious than ever, and we must dismiss any future proposal to subtract funding from mass transit.

I had mentioned in my testimony to maybe have sort of like a procurement process, where every year, once a year, properties that are interested in applying for the New Starts program have to submit their proposal.