I am laughing because when the Bush Administration took over, I was pushing them to really look back at the transition and say what mistakes were made.

Well, I have spent my last year looking at the operation of the Senate and even the government is dysfunctional.

The more certainty the new Administration can have, the more certainty that the Federal agencies can have, the better the Federal Government is going to work.

I just think there are too many positions that we are having to confirm.

In other words, there wasn't any kind of guidance that agencies could look to saying here are the A, B, C, D, E, F, G things that you need to do in order to make this thing as effective as----

I would like to know just what your opinion is on how important passing appropriations bills on time that is to an incoming Administration.

You are going to have to do a big job--

I think many believe that we have a bunch of people at the Thrift Board that are looking at various stocks.

I want to extend a welcome to the nominees and to their families, and I thank you for your willingness to serve on the District of Columbia Superior Court.

I look forward to hearing from each of you about the reasons why you think that you are qualified, but I already know that.

You both have a tough job. We do not know where the markets are going.

I have reviewed each of the nominees' biographical questionnaires and believe each of them is well qualified to serve as Associate Judge for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.