I want to thank you all for your patience and your willingness to come before this subcommittee and help us with our work.

I apologize for the interminable delays that have gone on today.

The law is not a static entity. We're here because a very respected member of the legislature has come forward with a proposal to change the law, to extend the benefits.

I look forward to a healthy and robust discussion on all aspects of the measure before us.

I understand in reading the bill, that Ms. Baldwin has presented, it defines same-sex beneficiaries as being, 'unmarried.'

It is clear that this act would be a first step in the right direction toward eliminating discrimination and compensation.

With all due respect, I couldn't find that library with a map.

The community has sounded some measure of alarm over the idea that planned field work is concluding.

I must say that if I were someone living in D.C., if I were someone living in the Spring Valley neighborhood, I would be very happy with the way Ms. Eleanor Holmes Norton has handled her responsibility.

Sometimes the community views Federal agencies as the same. It is all the Federal Government.

A thorough job hadn't been done in the original analysis so there is a lack of trust.