John Thune

What we need is to move forward on getting a continuing of the FAA.

More importantly, production of green jet fuel will mean real economic growth and opportunity, not just in the United States but around the country.

I, in 2009, sponsored an amendment to the defense authorization bill that allowed for multi-year procurement for alternative fuels.

I think everyone here today would agree that it's in America's vital interest to secure domestic alternative fuel sources, whether they're synthetic or biofuels.

Our air, our Nation's air traffic control system is being held hostage, and it's not fair to the thousands of workers wanting to get back to work and on the job, and it's not fair to Americans.

Thank you, Chairman Pryor and Ranking Member Toomey, for holding this important hearing today on highway and vehicle safety.

Interlocks are effective, but in my home, State of South Dakota, our response to impaired driving has been a 24/7 monitoring program.

If we need more time, then why are we doing an interlock grant specific now?

Mr. Chairman, I have a question I'd like to submit for the record for the first panel if that's OK.

I would say--I will direct this to Ms. Fleming again.

Did any of you think that there were other programs in the draft bill that could benefit from increased flexibility?

I also believe that flexibility is what states want.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this important hearing and taking a look at these important issues of highway and vehicle safety.

Should end users who are hedging financial risk be given an exemption?

I hope that you will take time to understand these issues and the implications that they have for agriculture.

I am, in particular, concerned about the limited definition the CFTC is looking to instate for the de minimis exception when defining swap dealers.

I sincerely hope it was not the intent of Dodd-Frank and those who wrote the law to create a mass exodus of capital from the United States.

Let me repeat that, a terrific opportunity for European countries at the expense of our country.

I did not vote for Dodd-Frank for several reasons, but one central concern was that the rules outlined in the legislation would have the effect of driving business overseas.

Do you think it is fair for states, many who are faced with serious budget shortfalls, to take the financial hit for a mistake that FMCSA made?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

But if either of you would care to comment on that----

Let me express a concern I have about the proposed creation of a national infrastructure bank.

At the heart of the problem is the lack of a long-term funding source.

Our transportation infrastructure is in desperate need of a facelift.