We can't pretend everything is business as usual. We have to stop playing games with the American people.

Ignoring the public planning process has become a priority for the majority.

Shutting down the Government has serious consequences and, like I mentioned at the beginning of my remarks, I cannot believe we are holding this hearing today.

I would hope that our Government, after this horrible massacre in Kenya, decides to focus on some of the big guys who are really financing all of this mayhem around the world.

I do wear two hats, and I am concerned about the threat to the homeland with respect to these Americans.

America provides advice to other countries on the rule of law and good government. We are now in a situation where many of us are embarrassed to be part of the Federal Government and its Congress.

This is no way to run a superpower.

I just don't understand the obstructionism.

I think Americans would applaud the creation of any job, green or otherwise, and I am, I guess, bullish on the wind industry, in part, because we are making it in America.

When we do, as we often do, is not act until the last minute, do this lurching forward as we have this year.

our government is in a shutdown, 800,000 Federal employees are furloughed, and Congress has abdicated its fundamental constitutional responsibility to fund the government.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

This is an absolute disgrace. This is stealing money from the American People.

You recommended him for a retention bonus, which you did, correct?

The taxpayer shouldn't have to pick up the tab for that. We should be able to cover that cost as well.

I am concerned about, one, he is in debt to the American people, having ripped them off about $800,000.

I am outraged at this clear case of abuse in the public trust.

Americans have a right to know that the money Washington takes from them is well-spent.