Tom Cole

As one colleague of mine said, you know, all we need is a case of smallpox, one case, anywhere in the world, and we will all really be on the edge of concern and probably start some active vaccination program.

Reclaiming my time, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend again. I again express my appreciation for the point that she raises and the willingness to work together. I reserve the balance of my time.

Employers can't find enough qualified candidates to fill the jobs they have while millions of Americans remain unemployed and underemployed.

For too many Americans, the Great Recession doesn't feel over.

I certainly appreciate the effort and the commitment and compassion you display in your job.

I have to tell you, I have seen a Northrop Grumman program actually in Lawton, Oklahoma, which is a STEM program deep into the high schools.

I would like to work with the gentlelady on this and find some way to do this.

What would be your most important priorities if we were stuck in a sort of flat-line situation?

The Republican budget that is going to be rolled out today is not likely to become law.

Our allocation is likely to be a lot lower than your request.

If you do that, again, we would request to be involved because, actually, what happens there obviously reflects back on our own budget.

I appreciate very much on that, Mr. Secretary.

I look forward to the introduction of her legislation. I was happy to support it last time. Look forward to doing so again.

Technology is certainly important in today's society, but these increases appear to be out of line in light of tight budget constraints.

It allows us to continue our transformation in the way we prepare people for the careers of today and tomorrow.

I worked at workforce issues from the local government level, from a State government level, and now at a Federal level.

This is the most significant reform of the workforce system since the late 1990s.

It is an American idea, and it is something where we have so much in common.

And the fact that we don't lead the world in providing access to high-quality early learning opportunities doesn't make sense.

I do want to pick up where my friend, Ms. Lee, left off on TRIO.

I hear a lot of frustration on the other end when you can only fund 1 out of 20 grantees.

But, Mr. Secretary, in previous years, your budget request for fiscal year 2016 invests pretty heavily in competitive grant programs that allow the Federal Government to dictate how States and school districts operate.

Well, actually, my friend, having watched Republicans argue with Republicans for the last 3 days, it is nice to watch Democrats argue with Democrats a little bit.

We have tried to do a lot to incentivize and encourage public-private partnerships.

There are 200 years of history that would argue that you and I need to reconsider our optimism.