Gerry Connolly

And there are real potential savings if we can make this work.

So it is absolutely critical to rectifying this problem that we have identified.

The FITARA bill, also known as Issa-Connolly, our preferred name, does address all three things and mandates status and a consolidation.

It is very important. I mean, that is a critical.

I actually really look forward to this hearing every year.

In summary, Mr. Chairman, I think this is a commonsense amendment. I think it sets a metric that I would hope my friends on the other side of the aisle would actually embrace so that we can see whether a new piece of legislation is, in…

I just want to say in response to my friend from Utah, also a neat argument. All of a sudden we are now retreating from the economic rationale for moving beyond unfunded mandates, for getting the hobnail- booted government off the necks of…

I would inquire of the Chair how much time remains on this side. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Virginia has 2\1/2\ minutes remaining.

I thank my friend. Mr. Chairman, I think we do have something to be concerned about with this provision of the bill, and I rise enthusiastically to support Mr. Cummings' amendment. He has raised serious issues about the constitutional…

The bottom line is that well-reasoned agency rules have made our air cleaner to breathe, water safer to drink, and our products safer to use. That is a good formula, and we should preserve it.

I always think it is a mistake in foreign policy to give it away for nothing.

I need to understand what we got in return? Where is the reciprocity?

I am very troubled by the abrupt change in U.S. policy to Cuba at precisely a moment where we actually have leverage.

To me, I must admit, that is shocking and I think a disappointment to many that we wouldn't use the leverage we finally had to some good point.

Hopefully we can persuade the Palestinian Authority that unilateral action is not in its best interest, nor ours.

I probably am somewhat demure from some of my colleagues with respect to the necessity of continuing to provide economic development assistance to the Palestinian Authority.

I think that is a issue that's important for us to take up in CIGIE, to how--how to better deal with the transparency issues that you've raised and I know we are concerned, other members were talking about.

I appreciate the point. I really appreciate the work IGs do, but in order for us and the public to have confidence, we also need to have confidence in you.

I'm troubled by the fact that all of a sudden the transparency is shutting down.

I do have to say that we know, from your reports... that Americans--American taxpayers' money was wasted was because of the work that the inspector generals did.

Oversight is really a constitutional responsibility of ours.

This really is a, you know, in a way, a constitutional crisis if this is going to be the position of the administration or any administration.

There has to be a remedy that's accessible and transparent to address that and correct it; otherwise, your whole investigation is tainted if you are tainted.

We must weigh this very carefully and we do have to ask the question what if we are wrong?

When Congress queers the deal in foreign policy it is a big deal.