We're trying to help those goods move more smoothly on our nationwide freight network by mandating that the U.S. Department of Transportation come up with a nationwide freight strategic plan.

Obviously, one of the big things that we face is competition.

I think the issue is that we have an existing fund that's being underutilized, and we have incredible competition coming at us.

I thank the Senator from Minnesota for her leadership on this issue and for her great service on the Senate Judiciary Committee. I know she, as a former prosecutor, has provided a great deal of leadership on many issues, but having her…

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for this hearing.

this Saturday marks the 50-year anniversary of Seattle's World's Fair. The fair was a presentation of what the world would be like in the 21st century. The Space Needle was built and it gave us an iconic symbol that still lasts and defines…

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. 50th Anniversary of Seattle World's Fair

I can tell you I plan on introducing legislation to make sure that we implement what is necessary to become a weather ready Nation.

We must move forward.

How do you get the issue above the discussions that it is on the technical points and up to the political level?

I hope that we are going to be aggressive about pursuing this in a timely fashion.

It is important to continue to focus on what we are doing to gain market access for products.

I certainly hope so. I thank you for your work in this area.

I'd rather see these markets in the United States regulated with the kind of scrutiny they have.

I think the answer is no. Because commodities markets are about price and supply.

I definitely believe that we should get these asset class investors out of this market.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm sorry I'm getting to the hearing late here. But I thank you for holding this important hearing.

If this legislation was passed, obviously, the management plan and implementation is critically important to the local community.

The Department of Natural Resources made a decision to get rid of that land and then a challenge into whether we were going to be able to preserve it or not.

I'm pleased to see that the committee is considering the San Juan Island National Conservation Area Act that I've worked so closely on.

I do rise to celebrate the remarkable achievements of my colleague from Maryland, Senator Mikulski. Last January we celebrated an obvious achievement of her becoming the longest serving female Senator. And last Saturday that milestone…

It is good to see that we have people here talking about legislation that Senator Tester and the Forest--that we're all working together to make sure that there are not unreasonable fees on those cabins.

The San Juan Island legislation is truly important.

Unless they do, you're saying there's nothing that protects them in the future?

I would also like to welcome Mr. Doug Gann of Kirkland, Washington, who is here to discuss the Cabin Fee Act.