Summer Lee

I will conclude by saying I think the issue of a non existing health policy, Mr. Chairman, for America is more at fault than to suggest that we are scapegoating labor unions who are trying to provide health care for their members.

They are left holding the bag.

I think it is more than appropriate.

It is disgraceful that you get this kind of thanks.

I think this is more than a crisis.

I find it to be unacceptable, and I believe that even in this late time, as these companies are in bankruptcy, there should be an immediate legislative fix that we hope can be signed by the President.

I hope by the time we leave today that people far and wide will begin to realize that regardless of the actions of the executive branch, ultimately rule of law is paramount and must be obeyed.

First of all, coming from Chicago, very large city, Houston, the fourth largest city in the Nation, the whole criminal justice system skews itself to inner city neighborhoods.

I believe we were wrong. We were good in our intentions, but I think the evidence shows where 87 percent of those being prosecuted and convicted now for using crack cocaine are African-Americans.

I think the scarlet letter has hampered many young people, who are now moving away from using.

Discretion of the judge I think is crucial.

I do think we make steps, and I think the present structure of looking at at least equalizing the sentencing and giving discretion as it relates to crack cocaine, and then building on that is very important.

There is something better to incarcerating nonviolent criminals, who may have been caught up in the drug controversy or conflict.

I don't think anyone in this room, made a large number of us, have been impacted by the horrific disparities or the unfair disparities that we have come to understand on the issue of crack cocaine.

I am interested in how you create or do you create terrorist profiles and what kind of underlying data you use.

I sit on the Homeland Security Committee, as well, and deal with the watch list as relates to airports.

I would appreciate if some protocol would be established that it is okay for SACs to come to a meeting where a community is to explain what the FBI does.

I think that is crucial.

For fiscal year 2010, DHS has requested a $96.1 million increase for southwest border security measures.

Thank you for your leadership in convening today's very important hearing on the President's fiscal year 2010 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security.

I think more DEA agents, whether they are shared with Atlanta or elsewhere, are needed.

I think it needs to be targeted.

I think more ATF officers are needed.

I think there needs to be immediate response in terms of gun legislation that addresses the question of smuggling and the loopholes.

In 2008, the violence between Mexican drug gangs fighting for trafficking routes to the United States killed approximately 6,000 people in Mexico.