we want to know more about that.

I believe that civil rights and discrimination issues facing the Department are a big concern that this Committee needs to monitor.

I also think it is very important that I be here, being a farmer and the start of the Farm Bill.

This is exactly why we wanted to hold the hearing today, is to be able to begin to have that discussion about how we can streamline and consolidate.

We need to be confident that we are sound stewards of limited taxpayer dollars and that we are cracking down on any fraud and abuse.

I made this request back in March and I am very thankful that she is holding this hearing, including that issue.

We cannot afford to have even one dollar go to fraud or even one person abusing the system.

Taxpayers have every right to expect that their money is being used wisely and effectively.

Thank you very much.

For our private sector to have the confidence to invest--and these are major investments--to create jobs, we need longer-term policies.

They are aiming to compete with us because they want what we have had: a robust middle class and a strong economy for the majority of their citizens.

We should strongly invest in those things that have begun to work.

In order to have a middle class in this country, I firmly believe that we need to make things and grow things.

We are very proud in Michigan in the last century to be the heart of American manufacturing.

as Senator Stabenow so articulately discussed, we are hoping to be able to lead the way in the development of technologies in the area of alternative energy.

In order to have a strong middle class in America, we must continue to make and grow things in this country.

I think it is important to take a moment to remember why Congress passed this historic legislation.

Make no mistake. The United States experienced an unparalleled crisis that required bold action.

we have seen very important impacts that we desired in terms of helping our vehicle manufacturers retool for the future.

I think the goal of a million new electric vehicles on the road is a very, very important one.

We commend Senators Wyden and Stabenow for their leadership in promoting a technology-neutral approach to reducing oil consumption in the vehicle fleet.

this is an important piece of it.

I think that what Senator Shaheen and Senator Portman have been providing to us in terms of this legislation is very important, so congratulations to both of you.

this legislation in front of us really adds to that, I think works with that very well.

I think this is a very important part of the legislation, because we do have energy-intensive manufacturing facilities that have really benefited, and can benefit more, from and not only saving energy, but helping them to be competitive…