John Mica

I think it is important if there are cost overruns, our veterans don't want excuses. They want their project done.

I want to make sure--in fact, I will airmail a couple to you right there.

I sent last week... a letter to the Secretary of Veterans' Affairs to make certain that the Lake Baldwin facility is not left vacant.

I want to thank Judge Hull for also participating. The courts have an important responsibility, and it is the responsibility of Congress to make certain that you have adequate infrastructure and housing accommodations and facilities to…

This is the tip of a multibillion-dollar fiasco across the country.

What is really irritating me, and I told you, that you are an appropriator.

It's just sitting there.

Well, then again, we have seen the agency abuse their authority or not use their authority and then people being rewarded for it.

We could find a better model, but none of them will come in and testify because they have been so intimidated by GSA.

We have tried for 2 months to hold hearings.

Sitting there deteriorating, sitting there molding.

It is absolutely disgusting that a property would be allowed to deteriorate that is taxpayer--you know, we are in charge of this stuff.

It has got to be frustrating for the American taxpayer.

It is astounding. They must have been pretty small parcels and not very good deals for the taxpayers.

Well, then I am right, we are probably in the 1,000-plus properties. But don't worry, folks, we got rid of 34, and we brought in $25 million for the taxpayer.

We have fought, Mr. Denham and I, from the week we took over a year-and-a-half ago.

This is a very sad day for the taxpayers because this building has sat vacant for 5 years.

It has been a very sad 5 years that we would let an historic building further deteriorate.

This is an historic building and it has value.

Well, I tell you, this is extremely frustrating. I may be in the weeds, but if you don't get in the weeds, you know, the country is going to go down the tubes.

What is disturbing is, the last report, you recommended that they get out of the cash business.

No one wants to fire anybody. No one wants to get rid of any employees. That is not what this is about.

I mean, we have been here before on this. The losses are expanding.

For me it is not a discussion about 1,200 jobs; it is a discussion about 1,200 people, 1,200 careers, 1,200 families who can't survive on minimum wage.

There has to be a better way. And every agency, every operation of Government that we are involved with, we have got to do a better job in being a responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.