Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, just before we left last week, two executives from a company called Solyndra came before the Energy and Commerce Committee voluntarily, but ultimately did not testify, invoking their Fifth Amendment rights. Most Americans by now are becoming aware of the Solyndra story, a company that was initially denied a loan guarantee in the last days of the Bush administration but was hastily added to a list of projects that were covered by what was called the stimulus bill in February of 2009. In a rush to get the money out the door--ahead of a photo op with the Vice President--apparently mistakes were made, and in the early days of September of this year Solyndra filed bankruptcy. This is a story that is yet to be completely understood. But, Mr. Speaker, here's the important part: For almost 6 months' time, between February and July, the Committee on Energy and Commerce sought, unsuccessfully, to have records delivered to it from the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Energy. It should not take a subpoena from a congressional committee for branches of the executive branch to supply us those documents. When we have questions, they need to respond. When we ask for information, they need to produce. And certainly, when we have a hearing, they need to attend. It's time for the Secretary of Energy to come before our committee, explain what he knew about this process, and clear the air once and for all for the American people. ____________________”