Maria Cantwell

I wanted to ask you, Ms. Ramirez, about the low income housing tax credit as it is used in Indian Country.

I like to say our economic strategy in Washington State is ports-are-us.

Collaboration is key to improving our transportation systems.

I just want to say thank you because that's so important to these communities.

If we can dialog about the Mount Baker situation, specifically with the community, that would be so helpful.

I am asking whether you consider the impact that that maintenance backlog has on recreational areas when it is such a big part of an economy in an area?

I think you have something like a 13 percent decrease in the road maintenance funding but you have an existing $5 billion backlog.

I want to understand how those two things can co-exist together? I shouldn't say that that way. I don't believe they can co-exist.

I firmly believe that our trade agreements aren't worth the paper they are printed on--no pun intended--unless we adequately enforce them.

To help address this problem, I was proud to work with both Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Wyden to include a provision in the customs bill creating a brand new, dedicated $15 million fund for trade enforcement and capacity building.

Thank you, again, Senator Cantwell, for your recognition of and concern about Qualcomm's recent experiences before the Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC).

We are particularly pleased to see inclusion of a $15 million trade enforcement trust fund, championed by Senator Cantwell

Is DOT cooperating and doing its share?

The last question I want to wrap up with is last year I requested a joint DOT/DOE study on crude oil characteristics and volatility to make sure that we are setting the proper standard.

Not having them caught in what has basically been a panel dispute between U.S. and China and the retaliation then on the supply chain is what we are facing.

If we have the supply chain--whether it is in solar or wind, if we have, truly, a strong supply chain--we will have jobs in the U.S.

I am a firm believer, when it comes to all of these energy sectors, in our expertise.

Again, with another $107 billion needed to clean up this site, I think our colleagues need to be very well aware of what the United States' obligations are here.

I firmly believe that the Energy Secretary should be for life or until Hanford is cleaned up

People want to know why there is frustration in America now. I can tell you why, because when the recession hit and people basically--you know, we bailed out the big banks and they got money, and everybody's 401(k) and pension took it on…

Did anybody bail them out? So now people are left with a long-term retirement instability, and yet we gave billions to those guys, and now they are making billions.

I think this panel is illuminating, just in the question... which I think is very important.

I applaud the Chairman for having this hearing, because much of this discussion has taken place... captured by the larger business interests.

I want the money to stay in the Patent Office.

It is time to make sure the Patent Office keeps its fees.