I hope that you will look at Amtrak and high-speed rail as a priority in this Administration.

I support the Northeast Corridor and he and others that are in the Northeast support the national system.

I think we would all agree on that.

I think now that states have such great needs that especially growing states like mine, that are also donor states, need some relief.

It's just the wrong public policy.

I believe that this Administration that has just taken the oath of office yesterday will be more favorable to Amtrak.

I think the old donor/donee concept really needs to be looked at carefully.

I appreciate your leadership. Because I think it is fair for all of us and right for all of us that Mr. LaHood become the Secretary and go over there and start doing so many of the things that we have just asked him to address.

I am here to introduce someone that I know and think so highly of, Juan Garcia, to be the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

I urge his confirmation by this committee and by the Senate.

I think we have made the commitment with the funding over a period of 5 years to be able to take that next step and I will look forward to working with you on that.