Robert Pittenger: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, really what we are talking about are the merits of entitling this enormous…”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, really what we are talking about are the merits of entitling this enormous agency, the largest in the history of this country, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, to be accountable to nobody, not to be accountable to the executive branch and not to be accountable to the Congress. They are able to do whatever they want to do. They make all of their own rules. They determine the winners, and they determine the losers. They have zero accountability. Let's discuss their funding of $6.7 billion over a 10-year period. Yes, what we are talking about is an offset to pay for an advisory board to protect small business--$9 million. That is 0.1 percent. Let's look at the priorities then of the CFPB's. Truly, would any of us lease a building, not own it, and spend $260 million on renovations? That is more per square foot than of any luxury hotel in Las Vegas. Yes, how about a two-story waterfall into a sunken garden? How magnificent. Is that more important than an advisory board that is for small business to ensure that we can create jobs? How about a green roof and a four-story glass staircase? It costs millions. Is that more important than an advisory board for small business? How about a tree bosk and a timber porch--how lovely--so that employees can have a place of restful contemplation and meditation? Do bureaucrats really need a serene place to rest while they are on the job? Are they that concerned about their plight? My goodness.…”