Dennis Kucinich

So the DOE review process was drawn out, is that what you are saying?

I want to thank my friend from California for his defense of American manufacturing.

Well, the whole point of this hearing it seems to me is that my colleagues, my friends on the other side of the aisle seem to believe the Federal Government should not invest in green energy technologies.

What is impressive about this DOE loan program is how few have failed.

Detractors of this program like to point to the bankruptcy of Solyndra to discredit the entire program, but the actual amount of losses is much lower.

Some may ask why the Federal Government should do anything that could cause loss of taxpayer dollars, as any loan guarantee program can.

Bloomberg concluded that the 1705 DOE loan portfolio is composed of predominantly lower risk projects.

The Committee identified many cases where the DOE disregarded their own taxpayer protections, ignored lending standards and eligibility requirements, and, as a result, amassed an excessively risky loan portfolio.

See how Democrats and Republicans get along, not only on this panel, but also with our energy policy.

We may actually have here one of those extraordinary moments where we have leaders on both sides of the aisle that agree.

I have to say this issue of potential political influence on these loans ought to be looked at.

If we fail to support these emerging renewable energy technologies, our Country will fall behind countries like Germany and China.

I am grateful for today's hearing because I think it will serve to dispel some misconceptions about the Department of Energy's Loan Guarantee Program and President Obama's energy agenda.

Impugning the reputation of these companies before the television cameras will not be productive.

If an allegation or if something is brought to our attention and it is perceived to be in that nature, then we would definitely do an administrative investigation.

I think that the chronology of events went like this: the commissioner or the State claimed all $30 million...

I think it is unusual, but I am just trying to find out how it happened and I am still not sure.

Congressman, it came up because UCare, when they came in, they said, we are making a donation to the State of Minnesota of $30 million from our reserves;

Now, after CMS pursued this matter with you, you have apparently changed your mind and you intend to give the Federal Government its share of the UCare transfer.

I want to follow up on a line of questioning that my friend, Mr. Gowdy, began of Commissioner Jesson.

If they are doing this as government employees, they ought to be fired, but, more importantly, they need to go to jail.

The health care industry's complexity and volume of health care payments presents a business opportunity for a few bad actors suitably placed to steal hundreds of millions of dollars from Medicare and Medicaid.

It is a privilege to have a federal contract.

I mean, what a bunch of phonies at the Chamber of Commerce. You know, they are the first to wave the flag when our men and women are over there, but when they come back they are the ones that are fighting the efforts to try to make sure…

Excuse me, but federal contractors wouldn't even have the ability to participate in these programs if you didn't have veterans who are protecting the rights of all of us.