Joe Barton: “The Endangered Species Act should be a protection, not a weapon.”

I can't tell you how excited I am to have this hearing. It's really exciting for me.

Before Congressman Hensarling leaves, I just want to commend him for his service and tell him what a privilege it has been for me to serve with him and to know him as a friend. We are both retiring, and we are both, so far as I know, going…

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I want to thank you, sir, for appearing voluntarily without subpoena and standing or sitting there all by yourself.

Every now and then, we have a day when it reminds us why we ran for Congress. Today is one of those days.