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.

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

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

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

To the best of my knowledge, no.

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

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

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

We of course remain committed to comprehensive immigration reform.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Do not shrink from criticism. Just work very hard not to deserve it.

I do not put my finger on the scale of justice.

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.

Our parents instilled in their children a deep and everlasting appreciation for the freedoms and liberties that define our country and an abiding respect for its laws.

It would be my responsibility, should I have the honor of being confirmed, to ensure that our workforce has the tools that they require to perform their work at the very highest levels of excellence to which they aspire.

It is very difficult to have allegations swirling and not have had an opportunity to address them.