Kay Bailey Hutchison

Today the House passed legislation that would extend the tax cuts for those middle-class taxpayers who make under $200,000 a year. That is a good thing, and I support that. But why on Earth would we extend the tax cuts for a certain…

It is, in fact, a $2,000-a-year limit.

Do you think that that is an affordable option?

This has clarified a lot and I think we can all go forward now very productively.

So, a $15-a-week amount, by the employee, could provide a $5,000 maximum coverage.

90 percent of your covered employees, even at the lowest maximum level, don't reach the annual limit.

Space exploration is part of the golden history of this country. It is also essential to our future.

If we are going to succeed in the new launch vehicle, we have to have a design based on as much of the technology that has already been developed and tested as possible.

I'm glad that you have called this hearing on mini-meds, because, of course, they have received a lot of attention recently, especially since the passage of the Healthcare Reform Act.

I certainly appreciate what you have said and agree that we worked hand-in-hand, hand-in-glove, completely together in a bipartisan way.

Of course, the reason that we were so specific is that we are looking for the reports now on the needs of the station...

We want to work in a spirit of cooperation.

I am pleased that the President does focus on the need to use the station for this purpose and has extended its capability...

I have long believed that in the operations of the government, the national policy should serve to drive the allocation of resources.

we just have to collaborate right away on the CR language that would satisfy all of the potential legal hurdles

I do think, Mr. Chairman, however, that someone from the Department of Health and Human Services also should be required to testify before we make any decisions about mini-meds.

I am very pleased to hear both of you being very clear and very supportive, and that is what we all are looking for to go forward.

But, they do have the federal requirements, which is going to mean that they have to meet certain standards.

NOAA's advanced hurricane warnings did definitely minimize the loss of life.

I trust that you will be up for the challenge.

I introduced legislation, years ago, just for NOAA.

It's an honor for us to have you before us, because you're serving your country.

I like the Coast Guard. It is underfunded and, like many agencies in government, not treated properly.

Of course. We have a good Chairman.

Not to mention the staff that leads us in the right direction.