Mark Warner

USF reform is long overdue. But there is still, you know, there's, this is not all a bad story.

The notion that a program of this magnitude, of this size, involving the American taxpayer, without meaningful enforcement of fiscal restraint, seems to me, in this day and age, a big mistake.

We're at, you know, you're at $1.2 billion right now. The notion on the ABC is about $300 million.

I mean, you know, we all know that USF has grown to over $8 billion.

I think that would be very easy to live up to, and I think, from a consumer perspective, would be very important.

One issue that we have, that is evident in the ABC Plan, is an issue that is related to interconnection, which is tandem switching services.

I do think--and Mr. Jones has already raised this point--the failure to have in the ABC Plan--or somewhere in this, I hope the Commission would have--is really clear interconnection requirements.

I think that's still relatively slow.

I don't really see interconnection as being a huge issue for our segment of the industry.

I may wait for a second round. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

As Senator Warner said, the needs out there for broadband are great.

I completely agree that--and I want to thank the chair for holding this hearing. This is a really important focus.

I think we all will concur this is a--particularly during these challenging times--a needed program.

Let me just add as well, this has been sobering, but I think you have given us some of the markers.

We do not know what will spark something that could lead to this contagion.

I think the emphasis should be in stabilizing the Greek situation by perhaps leveraging on the EFSF to strengthen the balance sheet of the banks.

If I could just again, because I want to make sure all my colleagues get time, if you could answer relatively briefly to all these.

Our economies, again, are inexorably linked.

Europe still remains America's largest trading partner.

I believe we need a greater and better understanding of both the interconnectedness and the implications of what is happening throughout the euro zone.

I would love to see us look not only at the European model, but I would also like us to see what has become an article of faith...

At this point we have got--whatever we think about GSEs, the percentage now is too high.

I'll just be very brief, Madam Chair. Thank you for holding the hearing. I concur with your interests and the Ranking Member's interests in moving forward on this.

The reauthorization will take place during a period that may be as important as any in the Bank's history.

This initiative could not come at a more critical time for job creation in this country.