This has been a priority of the Chairman and mine for several years.

I would hope that you would confirm me to be a part of that team.

I have a lot of reservations about the establishment of a White House cyber security czar because it makes it far more difficult for Members of Congress to exercise our oversight responsibilities.

By your colleague, are you talking about the FBI detailee assigned to you?

So later that same year, the contributions by Chinese nationals to the presidential campaign, the Clinton-Gore campaign, became a major issue.

So I am trying to better understand why you decided not to.

Cyber security responsibilities across the Federal Government will be the subject of much debate.

I join the Chairman in welcoming Rand Beers as the nominee today.

The Directorate is charged with ensuring successful implementation of the chemical facility security program.

I am committed to that objective. I think that it just makes really good common sense.

I know you said in response to a question from Senator Lieberman that this was one of many items and that it was not that specific, that it was vague reporting.

I want to go back to the issue in 1996 on the briefing that you received from the FBI agents who alerted you to the interest of Chinese operatives in influencing our congressional elections.

They're seeking more information.

Do you need new positions for the upcoming fiscal year?

So clearly, we need to resolve that.

I share the concerns that this agency is both underfunded, as you and Senator Lieberman's panel determined last year.

Which is why we need this council of regulators approach because the problem now is the marketplace is always going to be innovating.

What are your plans to reach out to investors, particularly small investors or senior citizens?