Jack Reed

I have long worked to improve and fund the LEAP program. As such, I was disappointed that the President's fiscal year 2011 budget eliminated funding for LEAP.

I think we all recognize that your advocacy within the Cabinet for this--these programs and these policies is absolutely critical.

So, it leads to the obvious question of what we can do to help these States.

One of the consequences of this severe financial crisis is more than 30 States have borrowed up to $35 billion from the Federal Government to continue paying their regular unemployment compensation benefits.

Even in the best of times when the economy is doing very well and the temperature is relatively mild, there are long, long waiting lists in my State and other States.

I think part of it is because of what we have talked about previously, this sense that it is difficult to coordinate with MMS.

So it is from Caribou, Maine to Key West, Florida. We have narrowed it down?

I am simply defending Senator Collins' rights. That is all I am doing.

I think that factor is not being considered enough by MMS in terms of what they are doing.

I agree with you in the sense that initially there might be some significance of overseas products, but eventually I think that we can find capable American vendors.

There is an opportunity again in Rhode Island to have the fabrication right there, not just for Rhode Island, but for the entire east coast.

So if the United States puts in fiscal policies that allow a market to flourish, the manufacturing will naturally migrate to the United States.

As you know--and we have had a chance to talk about the aspects of this--my State, Rhode Island, is deeply committed to wind power, offshore wind power, not only for environmental reasons, but also for economic reasons.

This issue of climate change is now being debated seriously as a national security problem by defense officials.

But I know you have done a lot, but it is a little bit concerning to me that the budget calls for a $100 million reduction in both the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.

And I want to thank you, Administrator Jackson, and the chairman for the great support you have given to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.

Given the interest, obviously, of not just Senator Collins, but I think many members of the subcommittee, I think we would all like a fair opportunity to advance our recommendations.

I think, again, in this process of trying to rationalize what is being done, credit for recognition of the scientific basis of these proposals should be much greater.

I think we might be as far ahead as anyone.

I think part of it is because of what we have talked about previously, this sense that it is difficult to coordinate with MMS.

I want to associate myself with the remarks of Senator Collins about the potential for wind in the Atlantic.

This issue of climate change is now being debated seriously as a national security problem by defense officials.

I think if I was producing lots of petroleum, I would also not consider it to be a problem.

I know you have done a lot, but it is a little bit concerning to me that the budget calls for a $100 million reduction in both the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds.

The need is so huge. Just yesterday I had the mayor of Newport, Rhode Island, and they are facing a $180 million need for water infrastructure improvements.