We're not particularly well organized as a Federal Government to fully realize the benefits that civil space offers our society.

At present, our space program is being asked to pursue goals without the appropriately allocated resources.

you would always be able to give us and would work with all the members of the Committee, Republicans as well as Democrats, with information, data, and anything that we rightfully need for our oversight responsibility.

If confirmed, the job before you is extremely difficult and the decisions you make will have tremendous impact on the safety and economic viability of our national transportation system across all modes.

there are many times when stakeholders are concerned about cooperation with the TSA. Sometimes they think TSA oversteps.

What would you consider your number one non-aviation responsibility or area that needs addressing?

I am very concerned that part of the new programming has not even gotten up and going, specifically the mortgage part of the new program.

Isn't this huge debt and the deficit as important as all of these other factors?

I do not think we considered it a revolving fund, but wanted to get out of debt as soon as we could.

We do not feel it out in the marketplace that it is getting into the home mortgage area enough.

It is my belief that had we stuck to that, maybe the stabilization of the housing market and the banks would have been enough.

PHMSA grants special permits and approvals without exercising its regulatory authority.