I do have some serious concerns about the true cost of building a new network, particularly given that some are advocating for a stand-alone network, which dramatically increases the costs.

We have talked about interoperability forever, and I have made the comment before this committee before.

I agree with Governor Markell. The D Block allocation will give the ability to build out a network in a truly more interoperable way.

The politics of making tough choices on this issue are not easy.

I stand ready to work with the Committee on possible solutions as we move forward.

I look forward to working with my colleagues from Virginia and the Chairman on getting this right.

I made a lot of the money. He did a lot of the work.

Thank you, Chairman Rockefeller for your work to make the issue of communications infrastructure for first responders a priority.

I share, as every member on this committee does and like the Senator from Arkansas has mentioned, we need a dedicated, fully interoperable public safety network that takes advantage of advanced technology.

I am very concerned on the cost issue.

Again, I apologize, Madame Chair, but my time has expired. But I would like to include the notion of working with local governments to make sure that siting locations and other things are done at the least possible price and cost.

one of the great difficulties that this industry has had over time is getting radio frequency engineers to agree with each other

I will not put the migration of all the existing narrowband into broadband under a ten-year frame.

Unless the guaranty of the grant of the spectrum had build-out requirements in it--coverage requirements.

I really thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership on this issue.

I want to be clear that if I were present in the Chamber, I would have voted in favor of Senator Sheldon Whitehouse's amendment No. 8 to provide penalties for pointing laser pointers at airplanes. Instances of this dangerous practice…

We still have an enormous number of challenges facing us as a country, and I look forward to working with Members in both bodies to make sure we meet these challenges in a bipartisan way. I want to start this new 112th Congress with what…

That is how legal it is.

We never used one-time resources for ongoing expenses.

I look forward to working with Senator Cardin and I hope a united bipartisan Senate on that issue.

the process of a CR is damaging and is irresponsible.

we have to re-examine what is the right approach.

We need to move forward on a real plan.

it would impact direct services and potential services that local governments could provide because their ability to borrow would diminish if there is a debt crisis.

the certainty of what our tax policies are, I think, are going to be very critical long-term