And introduced to everyone, we might go ahead before Opening Statements and do that before we lose someone. I would like to go ahead we already know Lieutenant General todd semonite. Time senatorthis who will recognize pete ron secretary ron is the secretary of transportation in maryland. State hes third been secretary of transportation. Hes also directed the Missouri Department of transportation and new mexico state highway and Transportation Department he just cant hold onto a job. [laughter] we are proud of the work he does in maryland. We have a challenging organization in maryland where the secretary of transportation is responsible for all modes of transportation and coordinating all modes of transportation. Has done an outstanding job and wrecking the department. Ofalso serves as president the American Association of hes held other positions and we are proud to have him before our committee. Recognize senator merkley for your introduction. Thank you, mr. Chairman and the wreckin
Infrastructure funding. And in land waterways have the impact of the panama canal expansion on us ports. It is an hour and 45 minutes. [inaudible conversations] the meeting will come to order. And i happen to be one of those. And i recognize that this time, senator cardin. And introduce pleasure to have secretary ron here before the committee. Secretary ron, secretary of transportation in maryland. As i was telling as a chairman, this is the third state, secretary of transportation. Department of transportation and new mexico state highway and transportation, cant hold onto a job. Very proud of the work in maryland. And the organization in maryland with the secretary of transportation is responsible for coordinating modes of transportation. Mister ron has done an outstanding job in directing that department, very large budget. He also served as american state transportation officials, 20072008 and national leadership, proud to have him before the committee. Very good. Recognize senator