John Thune

It seems to me at least that is a fundamental--one of the issues, I think, that has come out of this...

I want to offer my deepest sympathies to the residents of East Palestine.

The derailment in East Palestine serves as a stern reminder of the importance of this committee's vigilance.

I will continue to do everything in my power to hold Norfolk Southern accountable.

Norfolk Southern has an obligation to restore this community.

Our state agencies arrived at the scene almost immediately--and we remain there today.

I again strongly urge USTR to be more ambitious to bolster America's presence in the region.

It has got to be about results, and ultimately, to me at least, when you look at the number of free trade agreements China has...

I strongly, strongly encourage USTR and the President to make a trade deal with UK, one of our closest allies, a top priority.

It seems to me at least that is a fundamental--one of the issues, I think, that has come out of this...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. First of all, I want to offer my deepest sympathies to the residents of East Palestine.

However, the derailment in East Palestine serves as a stern reminder of the importance of this committee's vigilance.

I was for TPP. I think being engaged in Asia and these markets around the world is really, really important.

I believe, is what the law was designed to do.

The statute also says in ReConnect, unserved.

First and foremost, I think the purpose of the law, including the most recent funding that Congress provided in the ReConnect program, is for 90 percent unserved, in other words, those areas that do not have service.

It seems to me that if there are changes that are going to be made in some of those programs that they should be made by Congress and not by the Administration.

No losses will be borne by the taxpayer.

I expect a lot of my colleagues, hopefully on both sides of the aisle, will be strictly holding this administration to account on.

I think for all practical purposes--you know, most people acknowledge, yes, there is some overhang, but that it is over.

I was for TPP. I think being engaged in Asia and these markets around the world is really, really important.

The statute also says in ReConnect, unserved.

First and foremost, I think the purpose of the law, including the most recent funding that Congress provided in the ReConnect program, is for 90 percent unserved, in other words, those areas that do not have service.

All I am saying is, Federal resources should not duplicate places that already have----

I believe, is what the law was designed to do.