They are risking everything by this go-along-with-BP strategy they have.

You cannot trust these people.

They seem like they're inconvenienced by this. This is some kind of giant thing of getting in their way and somehow or another, if you let BP handle it, it will go away.

I thank my colleague and the gentleman from Georgia, and I appreciate you bringing this issue to the forefront because what we're talking about here is responsibility. And Speaker Pelosi, when she took the gavel 3\1/2\ years ago--she's…

I would ask that we make part of this discussion the not just authority, but mandate that the President set up a quick loan program for fishermen and others in the fisheries industry.

I talked with her in the last few weeks about an aggressive SBA response to the current crisis in the Gulf.

I am proud to have helped to lead the efforts of some reforms that have been put into place to date.

I was absolutely startled by the discrepancy of this.

I would like to call this Oversight Committee of the Small Business Committee together for the purposes of our ongoing work in the oversight of the Disaster Assistance Program.

the small businesses affected by Hurricane Katrina need loan relief to stay in business and create more jobs.

I also want to compliment you and the President for not running and hiding, for not retreating, and for restating the importance of this country continuing to press forward to identify the resources necessary for our economy to function…

You have taken the measured and right approach, in my opinion, to stop all permitting until a significant investigation can take place, and then find a way to move forward.

I want to start the way I've started every time you've appeared before this committee, to tell you how proud I am of you, how pleased I am the President appointed you to this position, because your character and integrity are unquestioned…

I am going to request acceleration of revenue-sharing today.

The right to produce is not the right to pollute.

Is it riskier to import 100 percent of our oil, because we're importing close to 70 percent, or is it less risky to try to drill more safely at home?

The people of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast want to know and have confidence that BP is going to do everything that they are required to under the law, and more, to pay for any damage to individuals, to businesses, et cetera.

The people of the Gulf Coast appreciate that.