Summer Lee

How much money do we need to just reinforce? How much money is less on the table for American artists?

I want to congratulate President Obama for listening and now accepting a bold mission for NASA.

I happen to be one of those who supported keeping the human space flight or the Shuttle going for a little bit longer.

We need bold leadership, and I am grateful that this bold leadership, the same kind that President Kennedy announced some almost 50 years ago.

The commitment that President Obama gave to the United States, to the electorate that Guantanamo would be closed.

I believe that someone who has been through the ranks, being an astronaut, seeing the toughness of what it requires, having the military experience is the right kind of leadership.

I believe that, and Members, that he is an outstanding nominee.

They are left holding the bag.

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 think this is more than a crisis.

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

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 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.

The only distribution system that is in place to get from the manufacturer, the owner to the ultimate consumer, which is true, we need help now and the reduction of dealers certainly is reduction of wealth in the minority community.

Discretion of the judge I think is crucial.

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.

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.

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 think it is more than appropriate.

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.

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

It is disgraceful that you get this kind of thanks.

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

I think that is crucial.

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.