banks should not, quote, 'engage in borderline transactions that are likely to result in significant reputational or operational risk to the banks.'

I believe you. But, there does not seem to be much fear.

I am pleased that last week in Beijing, President Obama authoritatively made clear to President Xi Jinping that the Hong Kong protest movement was home grown.

We recently introduced legislation, Congressman Smith and I, to renew our commitment to freedom and democracy in Hong Kong.

Not one more veteran should have to go through what Clay went through with the VA after returning home from war.

I appreciate the question from Senator Brown.

Not one more parent should have to testify before a congressional committee to compel the VA to fulfill its responsibilities to those who served and sacrificed.

I understand that you and Senator McCain just introduced an updated and improved version of the Suicide Prevention for America's Veterans Act, or SAV Act.

I ask unanimous consent to speak as in morning business. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Affordable Care Act

after the election, I have heard a number of my colleagues in the House of Representatives and in the Senate say they are going to come to the floor of the Senate and to the floor of the House and again try to repeal the Affordable Care…

in the days after the election this year, I heard a number of my colleagues--many from my State--in the House of Representatives and in the Senate talk with great exuberance about repealing the Affordable Care Act. They call it ObamaCare…

We urge Congress to work together, House and Senate, to get legislation passed and to send to the President that will help community bankers better serve their customers.

I hope that today's hearing results in action taken by the agencies to actually make a difference.

We ask the Senate to pass Senators Brown and Portman's bill related to the Federal Home Loan Bank eligibility for privately insured credit unions so that this small group of credit unions will have access to the home loan banking system…

So you said unnecessary or--are you agnostic on the proposal then? Or would you be cautious about it or----

So with this provision added to the Collins amendment bill, where Dr. Stanley used to live, in Cleveland, it could cost a home buyer several hundred dollars?

The Senate bill that best captures the principle of tiered regulation is the CLEAR Relief Act, S. 1349, sponsored by Senators Moran, Tester, and Kirk.

Thank you. The original bill--or the second generation of the original bill, if you will, that ultimately went through the Senate with no dissenting votes, which is not always easy here, as you know.

Even in the short time remaining in this Congress, there is still a real opportunity to provide meaningful relief for community banks.

In fact, today in my State--Ohio is not much different from other States--the majority of people on Social Security rely on Social Security for more than half of their income.

Thank you, Senator Reed.

Legislation, Mr. Calhoun, was recently introduced that would scale back the Consumer Bureau's examination authority from banks with more than $10 billion in assets to those with more than $50 billion in assets.

So there is, if not taking a position on the issue, there is FDIC concern about----

I would remind us that two of the largest failing institutions in the crisis--WaMu and Wachovia--were driven down in large part by portfolio loans.

Most importantly, Senator Rockefeller, thanks for making a difference in the lives of a lot of children on the other side of the Ohio River.