Cliff Stearns: “I just want to make it clear that we are on record of asking for a hearing on this.”

Thank you, Connie, very much for that report, and thank you also for the continued leadership that you have provided for the former Members of Congress. Your counsel is always appreciated and is invaluable. I now will lead to another…

Barbara, thank you very much. And thank you, Members, for your confidence. I think in light of the hour here, we will go right directly to honoring our past president and our vice president. Pete, if you will give me the plaques, I would…

The Chair now recognizes the president of the United States Association of Former Members of Congress, the Honorable Martin Frost of Texas, to address the Members.

The Chair announces that 27 former Members of Congress have responded to their names.