Gregory Meeks

Many have forgotten how far we have come. You led when the country needed strong leadership, when our most prized financial institutions were collapsing and when average Americans were helplessly losing their jobs and retirement funds.

While there is no bill that is a perfect bill, Dodd-Frank has given us a foundation to build upon to make sure that there is strict transparency in our markets and that Americans can continue to live the American dream.

Four years later, Mr. Chairman, we can proudly say that we have made great progress not only in restoring confidence in our financial markets, but also in safeguarding and preventing the excessive risky behaviors of the past.

I am concerned that it does not do enough to address the full scope of the issue.

I was truly impressed by the Dominican Republic's commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

I am a strong supporter of the United States and the Dominican Republic relationship.

The economic success of the Dominican Republic is linked to the economic well-being of the United States.

Members of this chamber are closest to the American people that we represent in Congress, and I can assure you that we hear loudly and clearly from them that they are not feeling this recovery.

We do have to be vigilant, but unfortunately, what happens is we make laws and we make laws for the bad guys, not for the good.

It is still going on now. What are you going to do to stop it?

Mr. Osterman, with all due respect, you know and I know, as a former examiner, and you know it, that the banks are scared to death when an examiner comes in there and threatens them.

Unfortunately, what we have done today, 'Operation Choke Point,' is going well beyond fraud.

I just remain apprehensive, and I will have to oppose it.

But sometimes that does not translate down to the common person who is trying to get a job and want to better themselves and improve their families.

It is almost just human nature if you see something that is better you try to get to what is better and you want your child to have a better life than you have had.

So, in the midst of record trade deficits, we are here today debating--and I can't believe this--whether or not we need to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank.

It is my sincere hope that dialogue can be successful, but in moments like this, I hope that we understand that unilateral sanctions would be another policy mistake--a costly mistake that we can and should avoid.

I don't think there is a single American that doesn't detest Boko Haram from the bottom of their hearts.

I want drones, I want something, because they don't belong on this earth.

There is no redeeming factor for individuals like that.

I want to make sure that we do everything that we can to free those girls.

Because all of those agencies existed, yet still the consumers did not have a voice. They did not have a voice until we had the CFPB.

That is why I am shocked Ms. Peirce has indicated there is no need for it when, in fact--

I just hope, as I review some of the bills, that we are not trying to, in certain ways, undermine or weaken or cripple the CFPB.

Thank you for your great representation of our country and your deep concern and commitment to the western hemisphere.