John Thune

We need to get the FAA reauthorized. They are the principal agency responsible for managing air travel and ensuring that it's safe.

I've advocated airlines disclosing on their websites notifying consumers and fliers before they purchase airline tickets about whether the flight is chronically delayed or chronically canceled.

I think largely we lost our focus.

What is keeping that from happening? Is that just the will to do it? Is it a resource issue?

I do want to thank all our nominees for their willingness to serve.

I want to associate myself with the comments from the Senator from Indiana with regard to that issue. I absolutely agree with everything you said.

We all know the important role that newspapers and the press have played in the development of our Nation and our democracy.

It is not going to solve the entire problem, but it will certainly save American lives.

We need embarked security teams, armed escort security teams.

I believe in deterrence. I am a firm believer in making a hard target.

Do you see that role as protective in nature, or is it more reactionary?

The Coast Guard has deployed at least one law enforcement detachment to the U.S. task force currently patrolling off of the Horn of Africa.

I think we all agree that the absence of stable government in Somalia remains the single greatest challenge to regional security.

I think the recent attack has really captured the Nation's attention and focus and sort of underscored the increasing violence and the range of Somali piracy.

And as a result, subject to special insurance premiums that could cost shippers $10,000 to $20,000 more per ship through the area.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

This year, we are expanding the number of MTFs that provide chiropractic care to Active Duty servicemembers from 49 locations to 60 locations.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate very much the perspective offered here, and I hope that we can use the insights as we shape policies to deal with these very important issues.

We need to shift away from a focus on pay entitlements to one of recovery, rehabilitation, transition, and making the servicemember a viable member of society.

In my view, the existing funding formula is no longer serving the best interests of each state and the traveling public.

This Administration believes that people should have options to get to work, school, the grocery, or the doctor that do not rely solely on driving.

Public transportation does not exist as a practical matter for average South Dakotans to attend a PTA meeting or to get to church on a Sunday.

I believe there is a proper Federal role in promoting the safety and security of our national transportation system.

I think Senator Hutchison today--her proposal to let some states opt out of the Federal program represents one path forward.

Our bill would give states the choice to opt-out of the Federal highway program and instead be rebated Federal fuel taxes collected within their borders.