"In each of these three instances that we have been discussing today, but for Mr. Mayorkas' intervention, the matter would have been decided differently."
"Well, are those the ones that are below you in the system, that were below you in the organizational chart?"
"That is why there is a chain of command and why certain decision levels are vested in certain positions as opposed to lower-ranking individuals."
"I just want it stated for the record that I really don't understand the necessity of swearing in the deputy secretary."
"I most assuredly want us to exercise our responsibilities under the Constitution and under the organization of this committee, to exercise our oversight rights."
"So you did have interaction with people you were seeking counsel from at the counsel level or at your level or above."
"Well, that in and of itself may not mean anything more than additional information upon which to make a decision was being offered at that time. That doesn't suggest that anything illegitimate took pl..."
"I think that this is an unusual situation."
"I do believe, however, I look for fairness and justice and equality as we undertake those important decisions and issues."
"I appreciate the fact that you are talking about not just one administration, but just sort of the evolution of the issues."
"To suggest that all we need to do is find a bunch of people, or a couple of countries that are going to be working with us, and think that that is sustainable I think is just sort of naive."