Maria Cantwell actually said...

"People underestimate what our ocean's economy really does mean to our U.S. economy."

"Taxpayers deserve better, and I intend to make sure that NOAA, the Department of Commerce, and the Federal Government are held to this high standard."

"What is the root of this, you know, perception?"

"I want to ask you about why NOAA didn't consider long-term costs as part of, you know, the indirect and long-term cost of such a facility?"