Alejandro Mayorkas

I actually made significant reforms in our administration of the EB-5 program to bring that National security vetting rigor to the program.

I would respectfully take issue, Congressman, with your characterization of the question.

They were Mr. McAuliffe complaining about our adjudication in the cases.

I remember a meeting I attended at which Mr. McAuliffe was present.

To the best of my knowledge, no.

To the best of my recollection, Congressman, we discussed using it in 2012 with respect to another EB-5 case.

Based on my reading of the Inspector General's report, it appears that it was not.

I believe I did. In a conference call, I believe I did, to the best of my recollection.

I, as the leader of the agency, bear ultimate responsibility for the correctness of our decisions, our administration of the law.

To the best of my knowledge, official business is to be conducted on official Government email.

I believe I informed the Inspector General's office that these cases were the subject of bipartisan support.

When I was the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, we actually had that infirmity within the agency.

We have communicated very clearly to the bipartisan committee that passed the Senate bill last year.

The goal of transformation is to be able to do that.

We of course remain committed to comprehensive immigration reform.

I find it untenable to continue to pour money into a project when one doesn't have a level of confidence in the effectiveness and efficiency of the undertaking.

I think that my colleagues Mr. Dodaro and Mr. Roth have identified issues with respect to our acquisition program.

As a general principle of course no expenditure of funds should be permitted that does not yield an effective and efficient delivery of service on behalf of the American people.

I do, sir. I should inform you and this committee that in reviewing the proposed legislation that this committee passed I have drawn some practices that we should adopt and not await the passage of the legislation.

I think it is very important to communicate to this committee very clearly to ensure that there is no misimpression that the components are willfully disobeying guidance.

It is my firmly-held belief that good oversight not only delivers accountability critical to good government, but that it also drives innovation.

Strong oversight drives good Government, and we recognize and appreciate that.

I pledged to this committee an open, transparent, and fully cooperative Department.

We have an incredibly talented and dedicated workforce, a workforce that is deeply committed to the mission of the Department and that loves its mission.

I am deeply honored by the President's nomination and the opportunity to appear before you today.