I think we have a President who wants to do a lot of things as quickly as he can, and I am glad that he is, because I think for too long we have put things aside and waited for a more proper moment.

We corrected all that. We thought we did. Or somebody did if not I personally. In fact, now that I think about it, I think I had something to do with it.

What are your plans for this Network in the fiscal year 2010 budget?

We've spent $12 billion, and we have very little to show for it.

$12 billion later, largely without conditionality, it may not have worked for them, but it certainly didn't work too well for us.

I hope by the time we leave today that people far and wide will begin to realize that regardless of the actions of the executive branch, ultimately rule of law is paramount and must be obeyed.

I find it to be unacceptable, and I believe that even in this late time, as these companies are in bankruptcy, there should be an immediate legislative fix that we hope can be signed by the President.

First of all, coming from Chicago, very large city, Houston, the fourth largest city in the Nation, the whole criminal justice system skews itself to inner city neighborhoods.

I believe we were wrong. We were good in our intentions, but I think the evidence shows where 87 percent of those being prosecuted and convicted now for using crack cocaine are African-Americans.

I think the scarlet letter has hampered many young people, who are now moving away from using.

I do think we make steps, and I think the present structure of looking at at least equalizing the sentencing and giving discretion as it relates to crack cocaine, and then building on that is very important.

The only distribution system that is in place to get from the manufacturer, the owner to the ultimate consumer, which is true, we need help now and the reduction of dealers certainly is reduction of wealth in the minority community.

It is disgraceful that you get this kind of thanks.

They are left holding the bag.

I will conclude by saying I think the issue of a non existing health policy, Mr. Chairman, for America is more at fault than to suggest that we are scapegoating labor unions who are trying to provide health care for their members.

I think it is more than appropriate.

There is something better to incarcerating nonviolent criminals, who may have been caught up in the drug controversy or conflict.

I don't think anyone in this room, made a large number of us, have been impacted by the horrific disparities or the unfair disparities that we have come to understand on the issue of crack cocaine.