Designating the Molalla River as recreational under the National Wild and Scenic River System would have tremendous economic, cultural and environmental benefits for this region.

If I may, I just would urge that we have a set of performance measures included in whatever legislation goes forward.

I guess I am not as optimistic as most people here that we are going to be curing the problem.

I think a lot of what goes forward in the climate change bill is all about confidence.

I value the Committee's willingness to address these critical issues relating to forest health, including the wildfire prevention, forest restoration, and enhancing access to woody biomass.

Frankly, I am very concerned over the current state of our forests. Our forests are under extreme duress from drought, insects, diseases, wildfire, and, frankly, poor management due to lack of funding.

I would like to call the first meeting of the Subcommittee on Finance and Tax to order here on May 7, 2009.

In the face of daily tinkering, undefined deadlines, expiring provisions, small firms struggle to calculate these long-term budgets.

Whether it is good times or bad, the Tax Codes become a huge obstacle to any efficient business.

I would like to thank the Committee for the opportunity to testify today on our transportation needs in the 5th Congressional district of Oregon.

There has been a lot of talk about health care, health care reform, and a lot of talk about prevention being the real key to developing these healthier lifestyles.