I certainly strongly support a short-term extension if we need it, if we cannot do anything else before May 31st.

you want them to be able to act based on what is best for consumers, while not being concerned that if they follow the order that they are given, they are going to be sued on the other side just for complying with the order.

we really, really need to act for the good of the country and the economy.

we need to act in a longer-term way, not just another Band-aid, another short-term extension.

A lot of important improvements and reforms can be done administratively, but all of these very short-term extensions really get in the way of that.

The more these Band-aid extensions we do, the less patience members have because they want reform, which is needed.

you say the EPA believes that the Executive Branch already has sufficient tools to address issues that may arise.

I think it is important as we look at the legislation at hand, and I am strong supporter of both pieces of legislation.

I think it is important that we look at the budget and scrutinize it and ask some of the questions that our members have been asking.

A cut means if you were spending $50,000 one year and you got $45,000 the next year, that is a cut.

You know, in Washington, unfortunately, people use a different set of languages than American people use across the country.

I am just asking if you can get me that number.

We have seen some outside agencies have looked at, some outside groups have looked at this and seen tens of millions of cost savings.

I am for it if we can only do that between now and May 31st, but I am also trying, as Jon and others are, for the full reauthorization.

I was on the floor talking about the absolute need to pass a long-term reauthorization now before May 31st.

I think small businesses are important job creators in this country, and I am pleased to hear that 51 percent of the contracts awarded went to small business.

I want to thank you for holding the hearing regarding identity theft and its role in the growing crime of tax fraud.

I fully expect and call on the IRS to do all it can to stop this, multi-million dollar fraud.