John Thune

I appreciate our Committee engaging in the debate about healthcare. I think it's the issue that everybody seems to be talking about.

I think the most important thing is looking at the innovation in the States.

I think our pharmacists want two things. I think they want a level playing field, and I think they want fair reimbursement.

Those are many things that we've been trying to do here, for some time, and reforms that I think would help lower costs.

I do believe that the illicit use of wireless devices by prisoners needs to be addressed.

I think this legislation allows our correctional facilities in this country to operate cell phone jamming technologies.

I would encourage you as you look at these issues to keep the rural carriers in mind with any intercarrier or USF reform.

I want to welcome Ms. Baker and Ms. Clyburn to the Committee.

We need to upgrade our infrastructure in every corner of this country.

I cannot think of anyone more qualified to perform the important duties that are associated with this position.

We need to restore our place as the undisputed world leader of communications technology.

I also want to join him and congratulate Jonathan and welcome him to the Committee.

We are going to make sure that everybody has access to the miracle of broadband.

Much of what is important in our lives starts with public safety.

Senator Thune and I come here.

This maybe, Mr. Chairman, the indirect impacts of lack of public safety, the question was the direct impacts, but just some of the indirect impacts.

That just seems like a terrible barrier, and one we ought to be able to get around.

It is a statistic that really is, it is stunning, and it is something we just have to change.

You cannot have kids who learn in classrooms if they are worried about their safety.

I hope we can get that through the Congress.

I am very pleased to be able to be back, and of course, anxious to hear from our panels today.

I think it is important that the commitments that have been made be carried out.

My fear is that like so many policy initiatives that we start in Indian Country, it has a stop-start type practice to it.

I want to express my appreciation to you for your leadership on this important issue.

We must work together to address the challenges facing our tribes.