John Shimkus actually said...

"Our goal is to modernize some of these environmental laws that we oversee and make sure the states are playing a significant role in implementing them."

"We want to know what the agency is doing in its core, statutorily authorized programs; whether it is sticking to congressional intent."

"I do not believe this is the time for EPA to launch new programs when there is clear evidence it must focus on its legally mandated responsibilities."

"The fact of the matter is, we were asked by the ranking member on the floor--the hearing tomorrow has three Republican witnesses and two Democrat witnesses."