John Ensign: “It's very important that we have this hearing today and that we explore it going forward into the future.”

It is much easier to get re-elected when you are giving money away, basically.

Previously, he announced he wouldn't seek re-election in 2012 following revelations he had an affair with an aide's wife.

This is a very important hearing today and I want to thank all of our witnesses who have taken the time out of their schedules to testify.

You need to get out there in the real world and talk to folks.