Gary Palmer

I appreciate what was done in the previous administration and their efforts to try to stop the improper payments, but I think we have to take this very seriously.

I think this is a critical issue for us. I think it helps us in terms of finding a pathway to balancing the budget if we can just stop sending out the money.

I just want to address the issue of delinquent taxes for just a moment, if I may, and point out that, as reported in 2015, that there was $3.5 billion owed to the Federal Government by Federal workers; 3.1 percent of the Federal workforce…

The government that governs best governs closest to the people.

It's disturbing to me, Mr. Chairman, that a Federal agency has failed in so many respects.

The patient needs to have that choice.

I just want to point out an article that was in the Wall Street Journal Saturday, the Saturday/Sunday edition, March 25, 26, 2017 that says dogs still beat technology in the smell test.

Every dollar that's wasted is another dollar, because we're doing deficit spending, that we're having to pay interest on.

The appearance--even the appearance of a coverup of a report like this undermines the Pentagon's credibility.

By wasting the resources committed to our national defense, I think you compromise the military's ability to carry out its mission.

It appears that TSA is trying to cover up problems.

I think we'll get into that later.

It appears to be selective and inconsistent.

I believe we have a slide. Ms. Lerner, can you give an example of the kinds of redactions that TSA has provided your office with?

One of the issues was the ozone rule, and is particularly problematic for southern States.

I think we have confidence that the agencies can do the job. We also need to transfer that confidence down the line to the State and local government.

One of the things that I'm concerned about is the cost imposed in terms of road construction, road repair...

We're going to hear from witnesses who can attest to how the Federal Government is a roadblock to States and local communities in infrastructure projects, and, hopefully, develop some ways that Congress can assist in getting the Federal…

Many of these environmental regulations have become irrelevant, outdated, and abused by groups and organizations simply looking to block economic development rather than protect the environment.

Neither side in the last campaign did that in any meaningful way.

The purpose of this hearing is to make sure that our data systems are secure.

I think the seriousness of the breach at OPM requires that we do our jobs to make sure that our data systems are secure.

We need you to do your jobs. Do your jobs. Uphold the Constitution, and we'll get through this.

I just want to make the point that H.R. 5499 is not a radical proposal. It is consistent with the Constitution.

The way you make sure that there's not reprisals, the way you make sure that people do not feel fearful in terms of reporting is to enforce the law and take action against the perpetrators.