James A. Lewis

Mr. Chairman, there is real work to be done. There are real issues that need to be addressed.

This program simply helps low-income people afford medical costs.

We should not waste the time and energy debating how to tear apart the good part of healthcare reform.

I must tell you, I am upset. And I am very disappointed with today's hearing, with the topic.

We can and we must do better, and we can do better.

We could not have done better in picking out two Americans that got a bad deal from our government.

This is not going to take as long as you think it is going to take.

When we find out that the people didn't do anything wrong, do we amend? Do we say we are sorry?

Clearly, the government should never be in the business of taking money from people who have never violated the law.

How do you inform these people that are hurting, that are suffering? How do you inform them?

Citizens, taxpayers, landowners, farmers coming, pleading with their government to help them.

I have never, ever seen in a very long time this degree, this spirit of togetherness.

Before we leave these two witnesses, I just want to take a moment to thank you for being brave and courageous.

We shouldn't be afraid of the government. We should depend on you.

I still think sometimes I am being harassed by the government when Department of Labor showed up the day before Christmas.

They took my money with no notice and then they kept it, even though they found nothing wrong. They just kept it because they could. It is just not right.

I have always tried to be very honest and upright in everything I do. And I just really--well, I don't have much faith in the government.

We must do more to resolve this issue for small businesses. It is the right thing to do.

I would like to thank you for holding this hearing. Thank you. I am pleased to have the Commissioner testifying before us today.

Fifty-five years ago today I was arrested in a Jacksonville, Mississippi, bus station for using a 'whites only' restroom.

If we fail to act, history will not be kind to us as a Nation and as a people.

We spend too much time talking the talk, but not walking the walk.

That is not right, that is not fair, that is not just.

The status quo isn't working, the status quo has underperformed, and the status quo in many cases is leaving people trapped from a generational point of view.

Thank you for being with us. Thank you for all your great and good work.