Eddie Bernice Johnson

I urge my colleagues to support each of these bills, and I thank you, Mr. Smith.

I would strongly recommend that the Department take a closer look at how they handle situations like the one we're talking about today.

I find this halfhearted investigation especially ironic, given that the committee's majority is engaged in clear intimidation of government scientists that are conducting client change research at NOAA.

I'd urge the Department to be more clear with Congress about their intentions and rationale for changes in research priorities to make sure they're based on science and not, as our Chair suggested, on politics.

I do strongly support the right of federal employees to petition their government and speak openly about their work without fear of retaliation.

Public contempt for the Committee's recent actions may hinder our ability to effectively conduct legitimate oversight in the future.

I must say that I am disappointed and disheartened to be here today.

I have to go back to the Red Scares of the fifties to recall a similar effort.

When Congressional oversight is done right, it can help to effect profound positive changes in our society.

I've never seen a committee attempt to subpoena a state attorney general.

Ensuring that our elections are fair, accurate, and freely accessible to all American citizens is fundamental to our democracy.

Those conspirator allegations, like many others, that have been floated in the public sphere this election cycle are not supported by actual facts.

I take all concerns and challenges over cybersecurity in our elections very seriously.

I am so appreciative of you holding this joint hearing on energy opportunities in the Middle East and, in particular, on the research and development partnerships in the region.

This relationship is not only in each of our national interests but vital for our shared commitment to the region as well.

I would urge you to invite NOAA representatives to a future hearing to lay out the challenges they face.

We must take all necessary steps to ensure that there is not a gap in satellite coverage in support of our weather forecasting capabilities.

NOAA's weather satellite programs play a critical role in ensuring the continued health of our weather forecasting capabilities.

I would hope that this committee will step back from the path it is on and not continue to engage in reflexive opposition to the efforts of an agency simply trying to carry out its statutory-mandated missions.

Let us be clear. The issues you--that underlie achieving these goals are complex, necessitating equally complex rules and regulations that require commitments and sacrifice from all involved parties to achieve a common benefit, a healthy…

Based on previous committee hearings with EPA, I have little doubt that some members will try to argue today that EPA is an overzealous, job-killing agency that needs to be reined in, namely, the rhetoric we have heard from our majority…

It has been said that Congress is one of the few places where you can find the rhetoric of climate change denial alive and well.

Instead of trying to score political points through efforts to undercut EPA's important work, we should work together in a productive way to advance our economy, a cleaner environment, and a healthier world for humanity.

I am pleased that EPA continues to rise to this challenge and has developed regulations that are balanced and progressive, further illustrating that economic prosperity and environmental protection can go hand-in-hand.

It is time we do the same for NASA astronauts.