To do here. I have always been reluctant to say this truly could be one of the most important things we as members of this committee do. The world is experiencing today and what the american and as is americas face is one of the most significant challenges that a lot of us will face in our lifetime. The bad news, the really bad news is that its entirely possible that it will happen again. I say this of course because the experts tell us that this virus that made the leap from one species to another can very easily happen again and if there are 2000 of these viruses out there you have no idea what they can do when they get into a human being. Thats what experts and scientists tell us have identified within their branch about 2000 different viruses. Having said that we need to look forward and i want to stress what im trying to do with this and what about all of us are trying to do, to look forward. There are a lot of hearings going on and a lot of hyperbowl going on and a lot of blame a
Www. Health. Senate. Gov is our website. I think it makes it possible for us to be table to attract witnesses who have very busy schedules on the same day such as today. Some senators are participating by videoconference. Senators may remove their masks since were 6 feet apart. Im grateful to the rules committee, the sarge want at arms, the press gallery, the capitol police, our Committee Staff for all their hard work to help keep us safe. Senator murray and i will each have an opening statement, and then well turn to our witnesses who we thank very much for being with us today. Each witness we would ask that you summarize your remarks in five minutes, which will allow more time for the large number of senators who we expect to participate to present their testimony. Well have one round of questions for a five minute round. Less than four months ago on march 1st the coronavirus situation was about this. At the end of february there were 79,000 cases around the world, only 14 in the Uni
It eroded. Transportation secretary elaine chao testified before a House Appropriations subcommittee on the president s 2021 budget request. During the hearing she addressed infrastructure project, highway and rail safety, investment into the nations ports and discretionary Grant Programs that impacted the needs of rural and urban areas. The subcommittee will come to order. Good morning. Im pleased to kick off the subcommittee hearing season for this and other subcommittees by examining the fiscal year 20 21 budget request for our department of transportation. Secretary chao, welcome back and thank you for joining us. Glad to have you here. Frur serves as the foundation and quality of life. It facilitates the flow of goods and services, connects Education Opportunities and plays a significant role in our nations overall welfare. Theres no question our country requires an massive investment into bridges and restore Transportation Systems to a state of good repair, improve our ports, bui
Democratic and republican members of the House Armed Services committee over the pentagon plan to devote 3. 8 billion to construct more border wall. The pentagon is asking congress to approve a 705 billiondollar budget for fiscal year 2021. This hearing is three hours 35 minutes. We will go ahead and call the committee to order. Good morning, everyone. We are gathered here this morning from secretary of defense doctor mark esper and chairman joint chiefs of staff general to hear about the proposal for the department of defense. I will start with some good news or start by thanking the witnesses for being here and further service to the country. Both served their country in various capacities for a long time, not an easy thing to do. I appreciate that and look forward to continuing to work with you. Unlike last year, we have a budget agreement, and last year we spend a lot of time talking about how difficult it is to run while anything in the government but certainly the department of d
General to hear about the proposal for the department of defense. I will start with some good news or start by thanking the witnesses for being here and further service to the country. Both served their country in various capacities for a long time, not an easy thing to do. I appreciate that and look forward to continuing to work with you. Unlike last year, we have a budget agreement, and last year we spend a lot of time talking about how difficult it is to run while anything in the government but certainly the department of defense without Appropriations Bills in a timely manner. Last year we were off by 3. 5 months, Something Like that thats better than drifting into the next year. We did get appropriation bills done by december of last year which gives some predictability to the department i think that is enormously important. This year we hope to come a little closer to october 1 certainly on the authorizing bill that also the appropriation bill but most importantly, we have a budg