This bill also authorizes a total of $642 billion for defense programs, including $88.5 billion to continue the Afghanistan war, on top of the more than $1.3 trillion we've spent thus far. It contains dangerous language that would pave the…

Imagine if we took a fraction of the trillions of dollars we've spent for war and used it to deal directly with the root causes of domestic violence--spousal abuse, child abuse, violence in the schools, gang violence, gun violence, racial…

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

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

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.

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

This comes up with a new aphorism, that familiarity breeds investigation.

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

I think we actually have a system here that is trying to work and we should stop beating each other up on it.

I would also ask any member of the Committee wants to join me on H. J. Res. 100, which would end all corporate contributions.

Do you believe First Solar's political connection had any bearing on the application process?

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

Isn't it also the case that securing a purchaser of the energy to be produced at your project was imperative to DOE's evaluation of BrightSource's loan guarantee application?

Also, Darby at PG&E talked directly to Obama about the program's challenges and the bad situation it puts him in.

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.

I don't really think that-- so you think they were awarded on the merits, Mr. Witsoe?

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

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

Now, members of Congress, including members of this Committee, have sent nearly 500 letters to Secretary Chu in support of green technology projects in their districts.

I thank my friend from California, but, unfortunately, I must disagree with him. This resolution contains broad and dangerous language that would undermine any diplomatic solution regarding Iran's nuclear program. Without explicit language…

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

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

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.

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.

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