Ben Cardin

We may want to look at modifying our relationship in regard to that military relationship.

We cannot let this type of activity go unchallenged if in fact it's established that the Saudi government was behind this tragedy.

It doesn't matter whatsoever. He obviously was contributing to the 'Washington Post' as a reporter. He had privilege as a resident -- to be able to come to America.

The United States must have strong leadership to demand complete accountability. Let's find out exactly what happened. And if the government is responsible, they have to be held accountable.

Every day is becoming more and more obvious that the Saudi government was involved in this tragic episode. And that this is really -- a very serious matter. We need to take action. America's leadership is desperately needed.

To me, that is going to be an incredible impact on species preservation in that region.

I just want to mention one other area that has me concerned, and that is the challenges we are seeing on climate change and whether the Endangered Species Act is even strong enough to deal with some of these new challenges.

I do take pride in Delmarva fox squirrel being delisted.

I am a strong supporter of the Endangered Species Act, recognizing that at times it does cause conflict.

I think that is what Senator Scott and Senator Booker were trying to achieve.

Generally, their tax bases are not as strong. So, generally, their rates are going to be higher and therefore a disincentive for a business to locate there.

I would just point out, if I might, that one of our concerns when targeting, that when you take a look at the lion's share of the business tax relief, it goes to C corporations.

The advertised deficit is $1.4 trillion. If we extend these provisions, it just increases the size of the deficit.

I want to ask Mr. Arensmeyer the issue. You have been the most vocal about your concern on the deficit, which I share.

I would just urge us all to make that a priority.

Complexity for small businesses is critical. They do not have staff to handle complexity.

I would just underscore if we do not get it right from the beginning, there is going to be a missed opportunity for the full benefit.

I support Opportunity Zones, so let me just qualify that.

The whole bill should have been paid for.

I think I want to start on the targeting of the tax bill.

Again, thank all of you for your testimony.

We apologize about a vote being scheduled at 3:15. We do not apologize for the vote because it is opioid legislation, which is strongly supported on a bipartisan basis.

This deficit is unconscionable, and as we are starting to see projections on the deficit come in now, those projections are accurate.

The Joint Committee on Taxation estimated would add $1.4 trillion to the deficit, which could put important programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid at risk for severe cuts in the future.

The rushed and opaque process prevented our constituents from weighing in in a meaningful way on the policies that will affect all of them.