Mike Rogers

I would hope we could do it as quickly as time allows, because we have got people dying every day.

It is simply not acceptable that 60 percent of current claims take more than 125 days to process.

I remain deeply concerned that the more problems we have with mounting debts and runaway mandatory spending, the harder it is to keep our commitment to our Nation's veterans.

We have got to continue to provide strong oversight and control spending to ensure that the American people, our troops and our veterans are getting the greatest value from each and every precious tax dollar that we spend.

This committee has been front and center in attempting to address the very real security threat posed by out-of-control Washington spending.

We must begin by acknowledging their fine service, dedication, patriotism and sacrifice.

I think there's no question it's killing the entrepreneur spirit of wanting to go in and start something.

So insurance for us costs well over $2,000 per employee.

I am very apprehensive about this for that reason, but also, I am apprehensive about these end strength reductions that are being proposed for the same reason.

We are extremely concerned about BRAC--extremely concerned not--not so much because of what it is, but because of--the DOD's math doesn't, quite honestly, in my opinion, sometimes seem to be straightforward

We have to maintain a certain core capability at all times, whether we are in war or not.

I would hope that we could submit some questions for the record.

The budget that we just had proposed cuts Army depot expenditures in 2013 by 50 percent.

As I talked about in my opening statement, the threat has changed significantly since 9/11 because terrorists have modified their tactics based on security measures we have put in place.

What I would like to ask you, I know the President has asked you all to come up with proposals to cut your budget by a certain number next year or maybe the year after...

Why is that litigation relevant?

That is interesting. Talk about Secure Communities.

The 287(g) program has been just an outstanding force multiplier, relatively inexpensive, too.

I want to talk to you about Secure Communities and 287(g).

I have had a lot of business groups come into not only my hearings...

This committee asked the FDA just a very short number of years ago to regulate tobacco, and they are going to generate some $2 billion over 5 years on a product that if you use as directed will kill you.

We write to express our serious concerns about the Department of Homeland Security's decision to suspend the implementation of the Secure Communities Program in the 30 remaining counties in Alabama.

I want to make sure I am clear on that.

I thought it was important for the committee to hear that particular case because it shows how sophisticated and how dangerous it can be if somebody has a nefarious purpose other than criminal.

Congressman Rogers' bill would be very useful if we could get it passed in removing some of the legal obstacles.