I have had the opportunity through many years and many positions to work with the GSA, and I just think it plays such a vital role in making our government function.

He is unquestionably, as Governor Ridge said, very able, very well qualified, and I take the perspective that we are fortunate as citizens to have him step up and take on this responsibility.

First, that that language, imposing regulations on the Internet, was rejected overwhelming in the House of Representatives, a bipartisan coalition.

We do have principles that have already been put forward by the FCC supporting Internet freedom, if that's what we want to call it, supporting Internet access.

We want to make sure that there is fair competition. We want to make sure that there are reasonable economic incentives for buildout and for other things.

I think, in the long term, the issues that have been stressed within part of the Middle East Partnership--that is, economic liberalization and the trade liberalization that comes along with that--will do far more for economic growth and…

Some criticized President Reagan for calling the Soviet Union--in my view, rightfully--'The Evil Empire.'

I believe, as you do, that the 21st century needs to be 'Freedom's Century.'

They criticized him for going to the Brandenburg Gate and telling Mr. Gorbachev to 'Tear down that wall,' but that's actually what did happen.

I would urge the Department of State to designate this group for P2 refugee resettlement status as soon as possible.

The situation remained poor or worsened for many ethnic minority Protestants in the central highlands and northwest highlands.

I think it is important to recognize that we are embarking on new territory in establishing an investor restitution fund.

I think for anyone to draw a comparison somehow for political purposes to the current budget debate, where we have legitimate differences of opinion and tax and spending issues that we are asked to deal with every day, is not just a little…

This is a very important settlement. It is impressive to see the level of cooperation by the SEC, the State of New York, the New York Stock Exchange, the NASD, and a lot of others to make this settlement happen.

Regarding the proposal on packaging, I have heard a suggestion made that HUD doesn't have the authority to enact a requirement on packaging.

Do you have any specific examples, though, of the suggestions that they have made to level that playing field?

I will try not to belabor any of these questions.

Well, let me at least place myself on the record as being in favor of apples-to-apples.

At the risk of sounding contrarian, it would seem to me that one of the objectives of the new rule should be that the new rule would be easier to enforce than the old rule, which might not require a doubling of the staff.

How will HUD's role on enforcement change with the new rule? How does HUD intend to enforce the new rule?

There seems to be a slight contradiction here, which is to say that you are setting up a challenge account where you say, 'If you meet specific criteria in 16 different categories, you become eligible for support.'

I do not think that should be the metric within the pool of selecting those countries that are above average in the pool.

We want to emphasize the idea of self-reliance, having this be a kick start, but not something that just continues year after year with the same country, the same activity.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.