Gary Palmer

The program is virtually shut down.

One of the problems, potential problems that I see in some of these programs, particularly demolition, is that the State agencies ensure that there's an open bid process for that type of work so that you don't have a single source…

I think that might be part of the solution.

I mean, in my own district it's no longer shocking to hear that a young high school student has committed suicide.

And I think when we're looking at this crisis, we've got to look at the totality.

Well, it ought to be shocking to people that the suicide issue for 10-year-olds to 24-year-olds is the second-leading cause of death.

I don't think we're going to really improve productivity at the Federal Government until we improve both the civil service issues and the IT.

I'm going to lean into this a little bit and maybe step on some toes, and make some people uncomfortable.

First of all, I sense an indication that senior leaders, and I think you, Ms. Weichert, mentioned this. Some of the senior leaders in the agencies have reported some frustration over a lack of empowerment and ability to drive the changes…

This country will never truly achieve its fullest potential until we are able to unleash the enormous talent and intellect and imagination of all of our people.

It is just beyond my comprehension that anybody would oppose that for able-bodied adults without children.

My point here is that there are, right now, about 6 million available jobs.

I really believe that.

The best antipoverty program, a good-paying job.

The thing that really bothers me about all this is that it comes across to me that some folks really do want to see people remain dependent on the government, and that, I just can't believe it.

I grew up dirt poor. I mean, my father had an eighth-grade education. He's blind in one eye. And I was able to get out of that situation by working, not by going on a government program.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as SNAP, offers assistance to millions of Americans who cannot afford nutritional food for themselves and their families.

I was afraid that that would be the answer.

If those recommendations were implemented, would it have any impact on reducing the improper payments, the $14 billion in improper payments?

And my last question is on Medicare Advantage.

I respectfully request the Chairman to look at the base closing bill and see if maybe we need to do the same thing with the Coast Guard stations.

This seems ridiculous that they have identified unnecessary facilities that are costing $260 million.

Well, my goal for reducing improper payments is considerably higher than the Administration's.

I think we ought to take a more positive approach to this on the whole spectrum of improper payments.

I was advised by one, the reason for the accident even though the guards work is the guys in the truck, one of whom lost his life, were used to seeing coal trains coming around that corner about 30 miles an hour.