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

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

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.

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

We need embarked security teams, armed escort security teams.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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 feel this is unwise and would have a particularly negative effect on large rural states such as mine.

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.

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.

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

During your Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on April 28, 2009, understanding the sensitivities surrounding this matter, I asked you what you thought of strategically dispersing our carrier fleet on the east coast and whether or not…

We have an over-dependence upon foreign energy.

It is important the positions be filled in a timely manner by qualified nominees who are ready to take on many of the challenges that face our country.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Senator Hutchison, for holding today's hearing, and I want to thank our panel for their willingness to serve.

I am a little concerned we are going to be dealing with it in the surface transportation bill.

I look forward to working with all of you and hope that we can find some solutions and some good results for the American people.

To me, this proposal to delay development of the Next Generation Bomber until post-START arms control talks are completed appears problematic.