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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

I hope we can get that through the Congress.

Senator Thune and I come here.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

An efficient national passenger rail system is a crucial element of the American transportation system.

It's a way of bonding for capital improvements.

It's also a great financial risk to taxpayers if the selection and management of this project is not wisely carried out.

These are truly exciting times for those of us who have long been advocates of passenger rail.

We need a balanced transportation system, and high-speed rail is part of that balanced equation.

The funding that has been made available for high-speed rail in the President's budget is an opportunity.

I think the important thing is that we do no harm.

I don't think we should underestimate the importance of efficient freight transportation on the overall economy.