very enlightning, i must say. i'm sure this side of the table is new to you in your years after service in the other body, the staff, they have steeped you in the issues of transit and transportation programs and general, and you're more accustomed to being on the other side of the table and preparing questions to grill witnesses with. now it's your turn to be grilled. congratulations and welcome and glad to have you here. >> thank you, mr. chairman. i'm now realizing why they elevate this. i'm not accustomed to looking up this. >> i remember how it was when i was elected in 1974. i remember chairman bob jones portrait in the other room let each of us new members say something for one minute. came to me and i said, well, mr. chairman it's a different feeling from when i had real power on this committee when i was the administrator. >> i appreciate the opportunity to discus the recovery act. but before i do, i want to take a moment on behalf of secretary hood, myself and the entire family to express our condolences