I think that this once again represents a rule, a regulation, whatever you call it that is counterproductive to what established this country and made it great, and that is the free market and enterprise system.

I checked with my assistant this morning before the hearing and there are 50 client folders on my desk right now.

The whole issue of the payroll tax and Social Security is an issue that nobody in Washington really is even talking about.

So I guess I would encourage all of the Members of Congress to understand that while we need to make sure that we are protecting the consumer, don't underestimate the intelligence of the American consumer. They're pretty good at it.

Consumers were abused, and the regulators did not do their job in protecting consumers in many cases, and so the American people were, I think, sometimes traumatized and demanded action.

I think there could have been a better solution.

Fortunately, administrator Lisa Jackson acknowledged the impracticality of regulating dust and announced there will be no dust regulations on agriculture at this time.

Spending precious resources for this purpose represents neither good public policy nor a wise use of taxpayer dollars.

This permit does not improve food safety, does not add any additional environmental protection or benefit for society, and does nothing to improve my bottom-line.

$655,000 in 1 year to help you determine your pay structure. Mr. Haldeman, does that sound excessive?

Many Members of Congress came here because this country is broke.