Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for having this hearing today. Thank you all for being here.

If the goal of this bill is to promote investment in small businesses that make things and provide services to their communities, then why does it allow BDCs to divert even more money, up to 50 percent of their portfolio, away from small…

Mr. President, for months Democrats have asked the Republicans who control the Senate to let us act, while the Zika virus has spread across South America, Central America, and several U.S. territories. For months, we have asked the…

I believe that the Federal Government and the Department of Education has the authority to ensure that there is no diversion.

Financial accountability is essential to ensure that States and districts actually give our teachers the resources they need.

That, frankly, should have been what consumed the time of the Neg Reg committee, with all due respect.

Congress strengthened the financial accountability provisions in ESSA for a simple reason: to ensure that Federal money is used to meet the purpose of title I.

You personally will make this a priority.

I appreciate that FERC's permitting process is being reviewed by the Inspector General's Office, and I look forward to seeing the results of this audit.

Pipelines affect people's homes, their property, their communities and they have every right to be heard by the government on issues about pipeline permits.

If you are confirmed will you commit to working with me to address concerns about FERC's responsiveness to the public interest?