Sheldon Whitehouse

When we are this far behind in terms of where we should be, I think this particular definition of infrastructure is pretty hard to debate.

Indeed, it is actually an economic win, because it allows us to compete effectively in hugely developing, rapidly growing industries that we would otherwise fall behind in and lose jobs and economic position to.

I want to assure her that I am firmly on the side of those who think that you should enforce the Clean Air Act as the law requires.

I think EPA has reported that we are $600 billion in infrastructure deficit for clean water and wastewater treatment.

It is not because of Rhode Island release that we are not an attainment State, it is because we are downwind of other States.

I would just urge you to reconsider the value, particularly the leverage value, of these investments.

The fact of the matter is, when you look at the data, the reports have shown that the Clean Air Act saves about 160,000 lives a year.

By now, it should be clear to everyone that better disclosure is desperately needed.

I contend that America is on the losing end of the largest transfer of wealth through theft and piracy in the history of mankind.

The amount of carbon pollution that mankind has released into the atmosphere is not a theory, it is a fact.

I would urge you to not mimic the ostrich that puts its head in the sand and look to the facts around you.

The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is not a theory, it is a fact.

I think that the theory that the executive branch can't act or decide or respond to reality until Congress has directed it to is a mistake.

It is textbook science, it is not a theory in that sense. It is fully established and virtually unchallenged.

It reinforces how vital Social Security and Medicare are to our safety net and to assuring that Americans have a decent standard of living in their old age.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me just begin by saying again how much I appreciate your leadership on this issue.

Save that question, Judge Drain. We will be back to it, but I do not want to interrupt Senator Franken.

I want to first of all thank our Ranking Member, Senator Grassley, who is an extraordinarily distinguished member of this body.

Let me ask you specifically: Of the three elements of this proposal, one is that somebody has to show up in the court with full settlement authority for the bank.

I can assure you--and I bet you that Senator Franken and Senator Blumenthal can do the same--that the foreclosure problem does not exist in anywhere near the dimensions that it does in the general market when the bank is still there.

And that may explain why the Association of Mortgage Investors is working with me on this and seems excited about it.

Thank you very much, Mr. Britt. Your story provides an important backdrop against which the testimony of our next witness I think it is important to be seen.

The Rhode Island program is modest, but I believe that it has the potential to help many thousands of homeowners, and help is definitely needed.

I agree with you. But here we are dealing with people who are required to file for bankruptcy.

I look forward to working with him and to have my staff work with his staff on helping to resolve the issues.