Political Quotes

This hearing is taking place at a particularly important time of political and social unease.

After the Sackett decision, the robust Federal protections for our Nation's waters have been eliminated for more than 50 percent of wetlands and up to 70 percent of streams.

The region is rich in natural resources including 90 billion barrels of undiscovered oil, 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas and $1 trillion in rare earth minerals.

Today's hearing is an opportunity to hear a variety of perspectives on the NTSB's final report, which includes more than 30 additional rail safety recommendations, several of which require congressional action.