Dick Durbin

I was glad the President announced the support for the concept of a Financial Product Safety Commission.

But my basic answer to your question is, no, I'm not concerned now that we've had a substantial diversion of resources, as important as the financial crisis is, at the expense of other core priorities of the Government.

I'd like to say that the IRS Oversight Board has submitted for inclusion in the record and preliminary recommendations on the fiscal year 2010 IRS budget proposal.

I put in a bill to put the usury rates at 36 percent because I thought that was so high that we would be just fine.

We recently enacted or passed in the Senate an historic credit card reform bill, which I commend my colleague, Senator Dodd

Two weeks ago, I got the best e-mail that I could possibly imagine. It was from the IRS! And they told me that I had a refund coming.

I have co-sponsored legislation to require companies operating as refund loan facilitators that offer loans to register with the Federal Government.

What is the expected return on investment for taxpayers?

I have brought before the Senate, twice now unsuccessfully, an attempt to change the bankruptcy code so that we can create more incentives for renegotiating mortgages to avoid foreclosure.

I don't know how we can build a strong American economy if our homes are losing value and we see our neighbors facing foreclosure as we find across this country.

I sense that this was the catalyst that led us into this recession.

I have asked this question of your predecessor; in perhaps a little different form, and still remain skeptical that the voluntary approach to mortgage renegotiation is going to save us from this crisis.

If these projects are not funded in fiscal year 2010, we are concerned that all projects in 2010 and subsequent years will be delayed at least another year-seriously impacting the judicial process where courthouses are already out of…

I'd like your thoughts, and maybe you can share them with me in separate communication, about whether the current penalty structure is in fact at a level consistent with creating a deterrent.

We'll be working closely with you and your agency as we put together the appropriation bill.

What about the pay parity issue?

Incidentally, you're new to this, but it's always great to start your answer with Senator, you're right.

On another issue, in late 2006 the Credit Rating Agency Reform Act gave the SEC exclusive authority over rating agency registration and qualification.

I think it's obviously a decision that's ultimately for the Congress about whether or not to combine the two agencies.

I look forward to working with this Committee to secure the funding necessary to meet our current regulatory responsibilities.

The future of the economy and the welfare of the American people depend on a vibrant Commission to assist in leading the regulatory reform ahead.

We need to come up with some revenue source here to provide the regulatory structure...

I won't go into chapter and verse about bonuses given to executives who have nothing to show for it, other than failure.

The unprecedented price volatility of our markets for physical commodities, such as energy and grains, has hurt our economy. Now--perhaps more than ever--we need our markets to function transparently and insulated from manipulation and…

I'm pleased to convene this hearing on the fiscal year 2010 funding request for two key Federal regulatory agencies.