Thomas Massie: “I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma for yielding. Mr. Speaker, the very words expressed by those opposed to this…”

“I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma for yielding. Mr. Speaker, the very words expressed by those opposed to this committee demonstrate the dire need for this committee. We have gone 4 years without oversight, and to quote Shakespeare, ``The lady doth protest too much, methinks.'' Those who argue against transparency may have something to hide. So I listened very closely when I heard the former chairman of the Intelligence Committee give the reason that maybe we shouldn't ask for this information from the intelligence community. He said that the intelligence community after this committee may be reluctant to share information with Congress and that Congress needs to craft legislation. I would suggest if they are reluctant, then they are disqualified from holding these positions. If they have grown so big that they are no longer accountable to the branch of government that created them, that funds them, and that is responsible for their oversight, then they need to be hemmed in. I implore my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to populate this committee with serious Democrats. I know there are some over there. I have worked with them. We have cosponsored amendments on privacy over the past decade. Some of them have passed. Please populate it with serious Members. Please, to my colleagues on this side of the aisle, give us the resources we need to do this job.…”