Endangered fish costs are a major reason for electricity rate increases in the Pacific Northwest region, reaching over 30% of the costs passed on to consumers.

We appreciate the initiative of Representative McMorris Rodgers and the cosponsors in raising this issue.

One thing is clear in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere in our nation: when energy prices rise, lower job growth follows.

It is simply nonsense to believe that it's economically possible without taxpayer assistance to build major transmission lines that only support intermittent renewable energy sources.

We appreciate her ongoing support regarding issues facing our consumers.

I am concerned about the EPA regulations and the potential to eliminate 131 gigawatts of baseload power...

the Federal Government is making it harder to create jobs in America.

In our experience in developing a strategic plan for Down syndrome, the patient advocacy organizations and private research foundations provide critical insight into what is needed to move a research agenda forward.

I have a little bit of a concern that the draft bill we are discussing today keeps too much authority with the Federal agencies with respect to the development of a research strategy, possibly to the detriment of the collective goal of…

I have a bipartisan bill which would force change in the MLR rule that would protect these agents and brokers from this job-killing regulation.

I don't consider that wealthy. They help other employers navigate complex health insurance markets and essentially serve as the HR department for small business owners.

This is unacceptable, and this committee should take action to protect these jobs and protect an industry that provides a service.

We encourage HHS to recognize the essential role served by the producers and accommodate producer compensation arrangements in any MLR regulation promulgated.

I believe effective state plans have the potential to significantly enhance workplace safety.

Workplace safety is a shared responsibility and one that must be taken very seriously.

Federal OSHA has identified a number of deficiencies in Nevada's state plan. It must be corrected immediately.

But instead, we still cannot move forward. The Caldwell National Forest has, I do not know, how many acres in mountain pine beetle and trees that are dead from burns or beetle infestation or other reasons.

Thank you Chairman Miller, I want to thank our witnesses who are here today to report on findings and make recommendations on how technology is transforming and improving our nation's classrooms.

I sincerely thank you for holding this hearing on the growing mountain pine beetle problem in the West.

Thank you, Madam Chairwoman; I mentioned in my opening statement that in eastern Washington, Avista has a biomass facility, 50 megawatts in Kettle Falls, right next door to the Colville National Forest.

And do you believe that the role of the Forest Service is shifting from management of Forest to simply protecting houses from fires?

Research reveals that technology can improve student achievement, particularly in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Over the last 15 years, our nation has made significant progress integrating technology into the classroom.

I believe we should give employers and employees the flexibility to work out mutually-beneficial arrangements in the workplace.

Mandating new labor costs on employers now through enhanced vacation and paid leave policies will only exacerbate the situation.