I want to commend the President for thinking about this in a more aggressive manner and for the $150 billion he has put in.

when interest rates are at a record low, not to take advantage of trying to get that private capital into our infrastructure projects would be a great, great loss.

we continue to focus on our central objective: expanding opportunity for all Americans.

I believe we are the only industrial nation in the world that does not have an authority or some ability to leverage private capital investment in infrastructure.

Better if we call it a financing authority.

We have to make sure that we leave behind infrastructure that can mean a 21st century and beyond of sustained growth and leadership in the United States.

it is imperative that we secure passage of IMF legislation now so we can show support for the IMF in this critical moment.

the steps Russia has taken to violate Ukraine's sovereignty, Ukraine's territorial integrity, are a breach of international law.

This is too big an asset for what we have right now.

it is critical that the international community support their efforts to restore economic stability.

I want to echo what Senator Menendez said about FIRPTA. As we think about getting foreign direct investment in job creation, this one should be a no-brainer.

I am feeling younger and younger in this committee.

I have a bill called the Partnership to Build America Act. It has seven Republicans, five Democrats, and an independent on it.

We are now seeing...lots of private American capital that does not, cannot, invest in American infrastructure right now because we do not have an infrastructure financing authority.

I think showing strong evidence along the path... might make some of more assured.

I think it was good in theory.

I think this is a very valid debate.

Madam Chairman, you are on the home stretch.

I think it has been clear that across the panel there was no indication that anybody from the private sector has suggested that there is a credible private sector-only solution here.

In the moments of crisis, the American people are going to expect us from the Congress to react, and chances are, at the end of the day, the public is going to be on the hook anyway.

while I will cast my vote this afternoon for the legislation which would replace the cost of living adjustment, COLA, reduction for military retirees, I disagree strongly with the provision to extend the arbitrary sequester cuts included…

I believe this adds to our deficit. It will cost us more later than today, not to take advantage of these record-low interest rates.

I think it would be a real mistake if we did not take advantage of trying to leverage private capital to help support infrastructure.

We bought ourselves a couple years, but at $17 trillion in debt, a 100-basis-point increase in interest rates adds $120 billion a year.

I commend the President for making a request for $150 billion over 4 years.