It is irresponsible to take that gavel to assume the grave responsibility of leading this committee and to wield the power to subpoena, the power to call and examine witnesses, the power to investigate like a political instrument.

His reputation hangs in the balance, and I think that we've got Mr. Melson, the former ATF director, who clearly stated that he never said anything about these tactics to the Attorney General.

I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch).

I don't believe this hearing is about safety.

There comes a point where discretion ends and then you have to act, is that correct?

One of Dodd-Frank's top priorities was to bring these businesses and products into the regulatory sunlight.

I guess people who are protesting and are part of Occupy look at a hearing like this and say, this is why they are protesting.

People want jobs, they want better treatment, they want adequate housing and most importantly, they want action, and they have the constitutional right to make their voices heard.

I am hoping that maybe a tiny bit of the energy we have put into this hearing we will put into addressing the very things that the Occupy movement is all about.

I would take it that a wooden structure would be a clear signal that you had to do something?

I am very pleased that you have been appointed.

I just want to thank you for using your discretion. As a child, starting at 9 years old, I started participating in protests just to get some rights.

Reverence for these rights must remain at the heart of all that we are as a nation.

It baffles me, it truly does, that we have now had over 118 hearings, 342 witnesses in this committee and when we ask for one of the bankers to come tell us why they were robo-signing, violating the law, we cannot get them.

My concern is that this failure to act now could result in a deep recession in Europe or an insolvency of a major European bank.

I commend the chairman for holding these hearings.

I believe Congress should do as much as possible to enhance efforts to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Ultimately, it is that victim that we are trying to empower. It is the victim that will decide what services they will avail themselves to or what services they will deny.

I want to make sure our committee gives a voice to the victims of human trafficking, forced prostitution, and sexual slavery.

I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we have no further speakers. I will say that it is so important that we pause for a moment to honor people like Officer Terry. So often our officers, various officers throughout the…

I agree with you, these folks needed to go to jail.

We've got some greedy folks who are out there stealing money from people.

If they live to be 99 years old, they will not be able to get a job.

The fight against unscrupulous companies like Maxim Healthcare Services requires more resources, not less.

I would be embarrassed to even come in here and stick out my chest talking about what I have accomplished when the company is still--they've got to be looking at us like we're fools.