Mark Warner

I commit to you that we will continue to strive to achieve that goal in an efficient and effective way.

There is a growing appeal for such effort to have a better understanding of spectrum usage.

I really support the efforts you've done on USF reform.

We've introduced a bill known as 'Dig Once,' which requires States to install broadband conduits as part of any federally funded transportation project.

I think it's an important step to move forward.

It seems like those are the three major buckets.

It has not passed through, but at some point this will move along far enough that perhaps further intervention will do harm.

I guess I might take one exception with that.

We've got to push more access. We've got to push more conduits.

I agree. My background's on the telecom side.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I know I should follow Senator Blunt's lead, but I just can't help myself.

I think we have huge potential here to make more things in America, and we need to have the workers that are there to do it.

In that capacity, I became well acquainted with the vital role a skilled and trained workforce plays in keeping not only Virginia, but also our Nation as a whole, competitive.

I want to thank the Chair as well for her focus on this issue.

This notion that we would unilaterally disarm while other countries around the world are actually increasing their export financing system is just kind of beyond the pale.

This is not Democrat/Republican. This is common sense.

Again, but there are two ways. One may be prepaid, which may or may not carry--you might have a telecom risk.

And has the work you have done, both looked into how those practices are evolving in the United States and how they have evolved in other countries?

I strongly believe that the independent commission, like the one established through CPRA, is the only viable way to overcome the hurdles.

It is time that the Government put the best interests of taxpayers first.

But fighting waste, fraud, and abuse in the Federal Government is not a partisan issue.

The very fact that there is that clock running will lead stakeholders, media, etc., to put a different kind of pressure on Congress

The bill we are considering today would make an important first step in updating and improving our government.

I guess I would simply just add, I know our time is running about up. But that the more we can really measure as I think one of the folks testified.

Let me ask. I think this will be for you, Mr. Hicks, but maybe somebody else wants to jump in.