I think it is critical that the IG do a completely independent investigation, not just a review of the agency's investigation.

That fact made your investigation easier in terms of tracking down the women, but it also seems to reinforce the claim that this kind of conduct has been tolerated in the past.

From my perspective, when you combine the facts of this case...that just spells a broader problem with culture in the agency.

So was there a sweep done of the hotel rooms to see whether the women involved had planted any electronic surveillance equipment?

I urge you to try to put that aside because if there is a problem, if the Washington Post story today is correct, you cannot be confident that this has not happened before and that it will not happen again.

Let me begin my remarks today by stating my strong belief that the vast majority of the men and women of the U.S.

I give you credit for issuing that to make it crystal clear.

I just think that between the alcohol--and, I do not know, the environment--these individuals did some really dumb things.

I am so concerned about what happened and so deeply troubled by the incident that is the subject of this hearing today.

If I finally become successful in convincing you that there is a broader problem here with culture or with unacceptable behavior being condoned...

It is somewhat ironic that we can be relieved that the women for the most part were simply prostitutes.

Senator Collins and I sent you a letter asking that you conduct additional investigations into conference and travel expenses at GSA.

The position as Administrator of OFPP is one that is not well known to the public at large, but it is in fact an extremely important leadership position within the Federal Government and the Federal procurement system in general.

I am determined to do everything I can to protect the integrity of the Federal procurement system.

I was so alarmed last year to see a draft Executive Order from this Administration that actually proposed to inject politics into the procurement system.

And, it is an area where there has been failure after failure after failure.

It would have sent a message to contracting officials that somehow this should be a factor in their decisionmaking when they are awarding Federal contracts.

I am seeking from you today a very clear statement that you will oppose any such efforts to require Federal agencies to collect political contribution information from government contractors.

Seldom has a nominee for the position of Administrator for the Office of Federal Procurement Policy come before this Committee at a more critical time.

I rise today to introduce The Clean Cookstoves Support Act, which addresses a serious global environmental and public health issue. I am pleased to be joined in this effort by my friend and colleague, Senator Durbin. Nearly half the…

Yet virulent strains of influenza are still a major threat.

this amendment establishes what is essentially a privatization pilot program for the alternative delivery of mail outside of the universal service mandate of the Postal Service. I believe it would create chaos by allowing for inconsistent…

I thank the Chair. Mr. President, I urge support of Senator DeMint's amendment. It protects the first amendment rights of postal workers by requiring that unions obtain prior approval from workers before spending their dues on political…

first let me commend the Senator from Missouri for this amendment. It does make a great deal of sense to have the hardship exemption and to give more time for individuals who are injured in war zones and longer deadlines for the paperwork…

I believe the odds of our getting the 60 votes for final passage are increased if I make my statement later, rather than delivering it right now. I will deliver my statement after the vote, but I do wish to thank Senator Lieberman, Senator…