We need to modify the law, which is now almost 30 years old so that we recognize the realities of the industry as it exists today.

Our Nation needs more Coast Guard, and that extends to all of our responsibilities.

Know that at least this member of this committee remains concerned about the quality of the oversight, and the independent testing laboratories.

We need to hear from the Coast Guard on the regulatory issues.

I am looking forward to this hearing.

We are currently studying and working with the Department on the impacts of the Executive orders that have to do with regulations.

It is clear to me--and I think to many members of this committee--that we have a situation evolving in which oligarchic power is in existence.

To get rid of a regulation, it is the same process as establishing a regulation. Is that correct?

We need more Coast Guard.

So, the Coast Guard remains opposed to exemptions from the fire safety standards for this vessel or any other vessel. Is that correct?

The good news is this will probably be about 15--maybe 20--minutes, but it is a subject that is very, very important to all of us. Actually, I am going to start on a slightly different subject, and that is what is wrong with this picture…

I remember well the investigations that Congress undertook in the Nixon period--the Watergate investigations. Frankly, I am appalled at the way in which this House is conducting its investigations. It is high time that we have an…