Mike Johanns

I applaud them for their efforts.

It creates a perfect breeding ground for mold in that facility.

In our State, like probably so many States, emergency power is absolutely necessary.

The hospital could not support a pandemic flu outbreak, which, of course, is on everybody's mind these days.

Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member, thank you very much for putting this hearing together.

It was shocking to me to find out that they had this enormous risk exposure and basically no protect.

Those jobs are nearly impossible to replace. Having been a Governor and a mayor, I can tell you that.

State franchise laws, I am a former Governor, we worked with these dealers.

How many, Mr. Press, how many minority dealers are going to be put out of business by your action here?

In our case, sir, with 60 percent held by the taxpayer, we absolutely need to respect that, yes.

I represent 1.7 million people in Nebraska who own your company, 60 percent at least, when it is all said and done.

OK. You talk about the Auto Task Force putting pressure on you to close more dealerships.

Don't you think there was some justification for Congressional oversight here?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We've spent a fair amount of time understanding process. Now I want to dig a little deeper there.

I never would have believed, as a candidate for the U.S. Senate, that the U.S. Government could buy General Motors without a hearing, with no vote, yes or no.

I think it's time to bring some transparency to this, to shine a bright light on what's going on here.

I think it is a test of specific statutory authority to take the action.

I think you are a careful person.

I hope we dig deep there. I hope we get a good understanding of what training is happening, what is not happening, the condition of equipment, and the safety record of that equipment.

I think every Federal department would say we do not have enough resources.

The FDIC seems to work very well. You go in and you make very tough decisions, and yet it does not disrupt our economy.

I would tell you personally I am personally appalled by this discussion by the Treasury Secretary.

I am pleased to be here today, and to be working with my colleagues on an issue that is truly critical: benefits for those brave Americans who have served our country honorably.

Nebraska's passed veterans deserve a resting place commensurate with their contribution to America's safety, and I am proud to help get them one.

The benefits they earn can never fully compensate them for their sacrifices, but we must still try to ensure that every veteran is well cared for by a grateful Nation.