Hal Rogers

I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present H.J. Res. 35, a short-term continuing resolution to keep the Department of Homeland Security open and operating until March 19, 2015. This type of bandaid…

I am prepared to close. Does the gentlelady have further speakers?

I have yet to see one marble roll down the hill.

I have heard that for 8 years now from different Secretaries, VA Secretaries as well as DOD Secretaries.

We are pouring money at the problem and why can't we get it fixed?

That is completely unacceptable to cause a young man to lose the sight in his eyes because of bureaucratic ineptitude.

I first want to pay tribute to the Commissioner for six years of service at this chore, which I think is a modern-day record if not an all-time record tenure.

Unfortunately, we have seen no leadership from the White House on your agency to address the billion-dollar elephant in the room, and that is mandatory spending.

We also want to hear about Obamacare. As predicted since its passage, there have been many hiccups and issues with its implementation.

I have long advocated for a multipronged approach to addressing this unique challenge.

When I first came to Congress in 1981, you know, we were focused on catching armed robbers and all of that.

It is unfathomable to me that States continue to pursue policies to decriminalize or legalize marijuana in contravention of Federal law.

The rollout of the President's healthcare law has been undeniably underwhelming.

I have long advocated that treatment and education need to play a critical role in this unique public health challenge.

The chairman rightly said that the FBI has a critical mission in protecting the homeland.

the impact to the hospitals themselves, the economic impact. In my area, many of these hospitals are struggling just to keep the doors open.

Our healthcare costs remain among the highest in the developed world.

I am concerned by the size of the budget request before us.

I think that all of that 5 percent you mentioned is in my district.

We support you in this important mission.

Well, and the current world war, frankly, the war of terrorism and violence is a worldwide event, so we are in a world war.

You have a hefty load. And we are going to try to give you what we can afford to help you fight all of these charges.

World energy demand continues to rise with 90 percent of increased energy demand driven by the needs of developing countries.

The EPA's regulations, which are constitutionally dubious, have brought coal mining to a screeching halt and coal-fired power plants to their knees.

Thank you for holding this important hearing.