ms. higginbottom was given an opportunity to highlight her experience. she had a hearing before the homeland security committee, and they asked about her qualifications also, which they indicated were lacking. senator collins asked her in opening statement -- quote -- "the nominee's background are" -- or stated that the nominee's background, while impressive in many respects, does not include a great deal of experience in budget process or financial analysis." senator scott brown used his first question to deal with her experience. he said, "i notice from your resume you have some great political experience and some really good policy experience. i was wondering if you would share with the committee, you know, what type of accounting and budgetary experience you have." close quote. well, she first attempted to avoid the question, talking about her general legislative and policy experience. senator brown interrupted her and got to the heart of the matter. sew "so i guess my original question is, what type of budgetary and accounting experience do you have