Can you share with us, or confirm the savings that seem to be inherent in these proposed investments of, relatively, a small amount of money?

I am concerned that a lot of the attention is being focused on the leasing and enforcement side of the ledger, not enough attention on the revenue collection side.

the State revolving loan-fund cuts.

Can I ask a final question before I recognize the ranking member, and that is, it's called the Priority Watershed and Job Stabilization program.

I also note that the National Estuary Program has been cut by about 17 percent, for a total of a cut, about $27 million.

Both Senator Murkowski and I have indicated the challenge this poses to our budget.

Will the BLM consider rescheduling this gather for the fall of 2011? If not, why not?

But, can you sort of help us understand how--if H.R. 1 or something like it was passed, how it would impact the ability of the States and the EPA to issue permits?

I am requesting that this Committee begin an immediate inquiry into the facts and circumstances surrounding this effort.

for the first time, the Great Depression, 25 percent of children in this country are living in poverty.

these cuts will come, not from the D.C., Washington, Baltimore, metro area.

For the first time, the Great Depression, 25 percent of children in this country are living in poverty.

These cuts will come, not from the D.C., Washington, Baltimore, metro area. Most of them are from the local offices.

I think is--and I'm alluding to what was suggested by Senator Mikulski--we're reaching the point where, if we deny effective resources to the Department, this level of efficiency will be compromised.

What that leaves, though, is big--potentially, big service gaps.

I think it's clear that, you know, this is one of those cases--and they're not that frequent in any endeavor, particularly Government--where we have to reinforce success, not undercut it.

I think it's ironic--I'll use that term--that you--we have one of the most effective programs in the history of this country.

I introduced legislation last year to expand work sharing, which just over 20 States have adopted or implemented.

that's a very, very shocking and, indeed, shameful statistic.

We all understand that a sustainable economic recovery has to depend on a healthy housing economy.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Mr. Secretary. And certainly you have an extraordinarily challenging job, given the budget pressures. I think you rightly point out the central need to fundamentally reform our education…

But, that has a huge impact on the quality of life of families and children in this country.

We're reaching the point where, if we deny effective resources to the Department, this level of efficiency will be compromised.

we are looking at over 11 percent unemployment in my State.

we have to reinforce success, not undercut it.