Thank you, Mr. Chairman for holding this important hearing.

When our constituents think of the movement of products and goods across the country -- most of them think about large trucks on the highway carrying everything from ice cream to new cars.

Some think of the railroads and others think about the barges that traverse the Mississippi. But few think of the interstate transmission pipelines that transport huge volumes of crude oil, refined products including gasoline and natural gas; unless something goes wrong.

Congress last updated the federal pipeline safety law in 2002. Among other things, the bill required operators of regulated gas pipelines in densely populated areas to conduct risk analysis and periodic inspections, and to strengthen public education regarding pipeline safety.

The good news is that the provisions adopted as part of this legislation are working -- safety has improved and lives have been saved. But we can always do better, and I am hopeful that this year's reauthorization will yield continued improvements in safety.

I am looking forward to hearing from the witnesses today about the discussion draft before us today, as well as H.R. 5782, considered by the Transportation and Infrastructure committee last week.

With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.