Gerry Connolly

I also am one of the victims. And my experience with the service provided so far has been very positive.

The last thing in the world we need is any cloud at all over the legitimacy or status of the head of OPM.

I pray you take advantage of that because anything can happen, you know.

It sounds to me like, despite predictions to the contrary notwithstanding, they are further away from a nuclear weapon today than they were before the agreement.

They complied again?

From 25,000 pounds to 300 kilograms. Did they do that?

If Iran wants to take its place in the family of nations, if it wants to end its own self-inflicted isolation, it must account for Bob Levinson.

It is never okay for a U.S. citizen to be detained without charge, without explanation.

I think on both sides of the aisle it does raise questions about who's making U.S. policy and who's writing the answers to legitimate defensive military requests from the Government of Taiwan.

Did Taiwan--let's pick one. How long ago did Taiwan--because we do know this one--ask for diesel submarines?

Taiwan has requested, among other items, mine sweeping capability, F-16 combat aircraft, diesel submarines and frigates, which we are providing.

There is no question that our helping to set those high standards is far preferable to the alternative in the Trans-Pacific Region.

We need a high standard liberalized trade regime and I would add, and I know the chairman would agree, three more words--enforceable and enforced--because only then is free trade credible here at home and abroad.

So Mr. Koskinen was quoted last week as saying we have got systems that go back to the Kennedy Administration.

Does it impact your audit capability?

Well, do these cuts and reductions have an impact on productivity, customer service?

And let the record show this member has felt the chairman has always conducted himself fairly. We do not always agree, but I think he has always been fair.

That is my right as a member of this committee, and I will not be silenced by deliberating trying to personalize it.

I have made no secret of that, and I do not apologize for it, and I do not retract it.

It makes for good television, and it riles up the base, and it probably raises money, but it is not worthy of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

This is a charade. This is not about making government better, and it is not even really about holding you accountable.

We could reduce the debt over 10 years by $3 and a half trillion without raising anyone's taxes and without cutting any essential services.

We leave $350 billion on the table every year, taxes owed, but not collected.

We need the IRS. We need it to be functional.

I am tired of these hearings. I am tired of insinuation. I am tired, frankly, of what looks to a lot of people like demagoguery.