The nominees before us today have been called upon to lead in diverse areas of our government. I look forward to the opportunity to hear your views on how your past experiences will assist you in addressing the challenges posed by these positions.

 

Vice Admiral Barrett, we are depending on you to offer steady leadership at the Department of Transportation and to make certain that the safety of our nation’s transportation system remains the top priority at the agency.

At the same time, you must encourage advancements that can enhance our national transportation system and improve the movement of goods and people across the United States. 

 

Funding for the nation’s aviation programs will be a particular challenge. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has seen massive cuts to their Facilities and Equipment (F&E) account since fiscal year (FY) 2004. These particular cuts, if not corrected soon, will jeopardize our international leadership in aerospace and damage our ability to address the capacity and congestion crisis in our skies.

 

You must provide direction at the Department of Transportation to make certain that aviation needs are properly funded.

 

Truck and rail safety, and the reauthorization of Amtrak are additional areas that will challenge your leadership skills. Given your proven record of working with the Congress, and more specifically with this Committee, I expect you to meet these and other challenges successfully.

 

Within the Department of Transportation, research and technological advancement are keys to expanding our transportation system so we can meet our society’s growing demands and continue to grow our economy. We will be counting on Mr. Brubaker to make sure the agency evaluates and develops new technologies quickly and effectively so they can be implemented as soon as practicable.

 

Admiral Sutton, it is a pleasure to welcome a former commander of Naval Station Pearl Harbor.  You are now called on to be the voice of America’s manufacturers as they face the challenges of globalization.  

 

The entire manufacturing sector generated just 12.1 percent of U.S. gross domestic product in 2006, compared with 17.5 percent in 1986.  Manufacturing employment dropped from 17.2 million in 1996 to just over 14 million as of last year. You have a great challenge ahead of you.

 

Mr. Spoehel will be called upon, among other things, to improve NASA’s financial management system, and address weaknesses in NASA’s contracting system identified by the Government Accountability Office. 

 

Thank you all for your willingness to serve our nation in these important positions.  I would like to call upon you to introduce any family members who are with you today.