Summer Lee

Does it also take into consideration the comments made or the report made by the Inspector General?

I am not asking for any numbers.

I think we can generally ask you for the numbers--do you foresee cuts in FAMs, working FAMs besides management?

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I think, if you could, tell me what the President's budget, Mr. Bray, has submitted for your agency?

Today, we will hear from the leadership of FAMS about the plan to correct the workforce issues that have long plagued this organization.

I believe, is again, as I have said often in this committee, part of the front line of defense of the American homeland.

I happen to think there is some value to the employment-based visas.

I don't want this hearing to be a statement that you should close your eyes and ears to mercy requests.

The alternative will likely be greater gridlock, which, for me, is an abdication of the duty we have to the American people.

I am not afraid of what may potentially happen with my inclination to think that this was legitimate.

That is to undermine the discretion of the TSA Administrator as relates to privatization.

I would refer my colleagues to the testimony that he gave in both those committees.

I thank you very much for that. Some of us agree with that approach.

I am also very happy of the disaster aid increase in the President's budget.

As Congresswoman Jackson Lee indicated, further privatization makes assuring internal security more complex and more costly.

Will you commit to us today that during your tenure as administrator you will not approve any application that requires a waiver of the citizenship requirement on the basis of the need for the securing of intelligence and the securing of…

I would argue to say that a non-security committee passed the bill.

That burden, I think, makes everyone--well, makes your job more difficult, not that you are opposed to difficulty, but more difficult in securing this country.

I have a very strong position about privatization, but there is a provision in place that allows it.

Are you calling for the complete privatization of all airports in the country?

Are you suggesting that something as important and serious as the massive securing of our airports should go back to 9/11?

I want to join my Chairman and say that we should always be looking to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of those Federal employees paid by Federal dollars that serve the American public.

I have no quarrel with the existing airport private screener structure. I have a quarrel with whether or not we privatize the entire Nation.

They lag way behind in pay. Someone dreamed up the pay structure they are in. It hasn't worked, it doesn't work.

What I would say in being honest in my assessment in saying that I want to work with the Chairman, would you welcome increased professional training, increased or a review of the pay scale, and what I have been advocating for is…