Chuck Grassley

I believe that oversight is a critical part of effective Government and of our functioning democracy.

I did not come to speak. I came to object to the Senator's unanimous consent request.

Let me correct that. That is money total to be spent, not necessarily all on the border. But about $30 billion was added in this amendment for the border.

Has the Senator yielded the floor? I don't think I want to speak until I have it.

Does the FBI use drones for surveillance on U.S. soil?

It would be very important that you get back to us in two or three days, because these are issues before Congress right now.

Thank you, Chairman Leahy, for calling the hearing, and I welcome Director Mueller back, particularly because this is likely to be the last hearing he will appear before the Committee.

This is so important because we will have about four weeks in July, we will have only four days after your term ends to consider a nominee.

Would you agree with this, that the weakening of current law creates a loophole that could allow terrorist groups such as al Qaeda or Hezbollah or other foreign spies to more easily operate within the United States?

Over the past 12 years, Director Mueller has done a good job of transforming the FBI from a law enforcement agency into a national security agency.

Providing employers, insurers, and consumer organizations with better data on provider practice patterns, such as the legislation introduced today by Senators Grassley and Wyden to make Medicare data more accessible, would accomplish this.

I suggest to the majority leader we can agree to what he has suggested except for Heller amendment No. 1227.

I have a suggestion: that we agree to everything for the first four amendments on the list. I object.

Yet under your leadership, the ATF was going to allow McMahon to retire early at the age of 50.

So nothing has really happened to him.

A common complaint that I have heard within ATF is that U.S. Attorney's Offices are unwilling to pursue straw purchasing charges.

I hope if you are confirmed, Mr. Jones, that you will do what the President has said his administration wants to do.

Despite the congressional prohibition against keeping a national gun registry, I know that ATF keeps a suspect gun database.

You have stated that on November 3, 2011, you issued a memorandum saying that the ATF must take all reasonable steps to prevent criminal misuse of firearms.

Why did you allow Gillett to retire rather than hold him accountable?

I believe every President--at least since Reagan, I have talked to every President about protecting whistleblowers.

Burke testified that as a result of Fast and Furious you raised the issue of Title III wiretap approval with the Advisory Committee.

I have also heard allegations from several States of ATF agents going to Federal firearm licensees and taking pictures of every Form 4473 in the store.

Okay, retired. Not disciplined.

Senator Grassley notified the Chairman that he intended to invoke a not very much used Senate rule.