Mario Díaz-Balart

But the issue with you today is making sure that we do not violate the statute. The statute is very clear.

However, it is really kind of like akin to blocking the sun with your thumb.

the changes vis-a-vis Cuba were minor. However, they have been credited by many as, frankly, helping prop up the regime.

Last summer Congress passed the supplemental appropriations act containing $2.8 billion for Haiti's recovery effort.

the loosening of the restrictions are, frankly, helping the regime, not hurting it.

U.S. law and Section 109 of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity... precisely enumerates what types and for what purposes the assistance is permitted in regard to Cuba.

So when is the CN going to finally be done, number one? And how will you keep the program on track?

I can agree or disagree with you, but you said that is what you were going to do, you have continued to do it.

This has to be the priority, job creation.

It is very important to always remember even in places like Florida where it has been a few years since we got hit by the big one.

It is interesting that you state that. Those of us who have gone through it become aware of it, of those catastrophes.

I think there has got to be a realization that this is not our money, this is taxpayers' money.

The stimulus didn't work. We were promised 8 percent unemployment; we are way beyond that.

Do you not understand that that could be a little troubling? That a decision is made that could have potentially a serious financial implication?

I think you need to be commended for it, you really do.

Absolutely. No. And I agree with you.

I think you are, frankly, hitting a very important issue.

I want to also commend the gentleman from Maine because I think he brought up a very, very important point.

good health reform is good economic policy. That is absolutely the case.

the stimulus has, frankly, just been a failure.

The last thing, obviously, that American taxpayers need or want to see are projects that are started and then all of a sudden finished because they are too costly.

The key is making sure that the resources are there, that you have the flexibility.

Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. Let me first thank you for holding this oversight hearing today on GSA's Recovery Act funds.

It seems that Congress is now in the position of having put the cart before the horse by, frankly, passing legislation that contains no oversight.

I think these hearings that you are doing are probably one of the most important hearings we are doing.