Jeff Merkley actually said...

"I want to note that my colleague, Senator Akaka, has been, I think, very visible and aggressively working to tackle this topic for a very long time and I thank you, Senator Akaka, for your leadership ..."

"I am delighted that we can have this chance to hear from Richard Cordray, the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau."

"Chairman Johnson is unavailable to attend this morning's hearing. He wanted me to personally thank you, Mr. Cordray, for being here and to commend you and your team for all of their superb work."

"The hearing of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs will come to order."