we need to take this into consideration as it relates to the budget this year.

I appreciate you calling this important hearing and your leadership.

the 111th Congress increased the IRS's responsibility while decreasing the funding.

When would we see functionality of one of those?

the key phrase here is interoperability and then, my understanding that some of those pilots were turned down because they really were ensuring interoperability.

Broadband access is essential for public safety and economic growth.

I'm proud that in Washington we have been coordinating with Tribal authorities in the state consultation process.

I join my colleague, Senator Murray, in commemorating the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's 50th anniversary. As our constituents in Washington State know, PNNL is an integral part of our economy. The lab has a total economic output…

I think we have to expound on it more, what other countries are doing with their patent boxes.

We must have strategic investments in Arctic science which will help us understand the impacts of climate change on Arctic communities.

I rise to urge my colleagues not to override the President's veto of this special-interest piece of legislation. I wish to thank my colleague from California for her leadership on this issue and for her constant involvement in making sure…

We would have been better prepared for Sandy if the U.S. would have had the supercomputing data.

The United States Arctic strategy is tremendously important to both the economies of Washington and Alaska.

the changes of weather conditions demands that the United States come up with an Arctic strategy and implement it.

the Senate is not in order. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate will be in order.

Thank you, Madam Chairman, and thank you for holding this important hearing.

I believe that we need more thickness.

Do you think there are other things we need to do to tackle this problem?

I feel the Bureau is being derelict on our trust responsibilities to the tribes.

I think it is fair to say that the whole world has noticed the success of that auction.

I am very anxious about what that is going to do to treaty rights at risk and our salmon recovery efforts.

I am concerned about cuts to salmon programs, fishery observer coverage and other restoration lines.

It's time that we do more. And I believe that we must begin this process now.

I will be introducing legislation to support a thicker hull and a quicker phase-out than what is currently proposed in this rule.

The $18 billion over the next 6 years to implement what I think is a new freight strategy for our country so we can be more competitive at our ports is critically important.