Rob Portman

I don't think it is going to affect anybody in this Chamber. I don't think the bill will work. I am not going to vote for it if it doesn't have strong enforcement, because I don't think they are going to come out of the shadows in the way…

The ranking member of the Finance Committee, member of the Judiciary Committee, I was told I could speak even before that, but then the majority leader came out to the floor to do some important business, and I was put back. I have about 5…

It is required by law. It is required by Executive Order.

Are we seeing less transparency from an Administration that has claimed that it is the most transparent in history?

Would you be willing to commit today to work with those of us in Congress who are proposing legislation in this area to try to improve the economic analysis by independent agencies?

I do not think that is eliminating red tape.

The White House has repeatedly stated it is working hard to, and I quote, 'minimize regulatory burdens and avoid unjustified regulatory costs.'

Would you be willing to commit to track on reginfo.gov the results of the look-back so there is more transparency?

If confirmed, can you improve on that record in terms of minimizing the burden of regulations on our economy?

In my view, again, it is a job that is much more important than most people realize because it affects the economy in very fundamental ways.

I think, is incredibly important, including knowing what the potential compliance costs might be on small business.

One thing, and my time is ending here and I appreciate the Chairman giving me a little extra, but the legislation that this Committee is looking at extends requirements to independent agencies as the President has proposed...

I strongly supported that. I think it is a good idea. It is a house-cleaning exercise.

I think one step further, where this committee actually has a role to play, is ensuring that those victims are eligible to receive services as victims of child abuse in the child welfare system.

I really appreciate the fact that all of you are engaged on this issue and every day in the trenches.

We introduced a bipartisan bill... that basically requires that children who have been involved in sex trafficking be considered victims of abuse and neglect under CAPTA.

In 2010, Toledo was listed as the fourth-ranking city in America in terms of human trafficking.

This committee does have jurisdiction here. Senator Hatch talked about it at the outset.

I appreciate your stepping up and taking on this job. It is at a critical time.

I think these actions are in disregard of WTO rules. I think they are fundamentally disruptive to innovation.

One of the most important functions that our Federal Government must fulfill, of course, is the care of our veterans.

We have to be sure we are there with them.

Like our urban veterans, our rural veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are coping every day with both the visible and the invisible wounds of war.

I think the bottom line is, there is a need for a fuller investigation, as you and Senator Hatch are undertaking.

There is no question that your letter was inaccurate.