Jaime Herrera Beutler

Why then would you double down on an expanded critical habitat taking basically more private forest land if you're admitting that that species has not done well for the health of the owl, forest or the species?

Do you believe that the management of our forest for a single species has been beneficial for the health of our forests and the multiple species of wildlife within them?

But in the issue of a court case, the eye of the law should be, I would assume, the judicial review.

I believe we got down to about 3 million board feet. It was substantial.

I believe we can do better. Our wildlife and economy can both be protected.

Action must be taken now to protect rural communities and private property from these burdensome regulations.

This is incredibly important to my region and I appreciate you taking time and effort to bring this congressional hearing to Cowlitz County.

In meeting with some folks--and I will say this is more for the record--I have had a number of folks who were in similar situations in our area who will not--do not want me to use their names or their companies, because they are terrified…

I am glad you asked that question, because I wanted to reiterate that it is not that you got out over your skis.

To a lot of broken homes in my neck of the woods, you are a villain.

I don't think you all knew what you were doing, and we are bearing the consequences.

I keep hearing different points made in response to questions.

You are, by definition, picking winners and losers. And the government shouldn't be in that business.

It is like the bully on the playground coming up to the skinny kid and saying, 'Give me your lunch.'

The problem is, in practice, we have seen very different things.

What I do know is that the fallout resulted in destroyed businesses, bankruptcies, and the loss of livelihoods for folks in my area.

The FDIC issued Rialto a 10-year, over $600 million loan at zero percent interest.

In this 'sweetheart deal' is what comes to mind--and my colleague uses the same term--Rialto was allowed to pay 8 cents, and it is worth repeating, 8 cents on the dollar for $3 billion worth of assets.

This topic is incredibly important, so important that I am here even though this isn't actually my committee.

This brings me to the point--from your first to final communication with Rialto, the first one that you got, was it a letter saying that you cannot use a lawyer?

It is a low cost form of energy that is incredibly efficient and carbonless. It is very renewable.

It gives the family savings account a much needed cushion. It is small but it is needed, as folks struggle to find employment and to make their mortgage payments.

As we move forward, let's move with caution and make sure Congress does not pick winners and losers.

I am really focused on the folks at home, but Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, can I weigh in on the production tax credit?

It should be simple. Let's extend the state and local sales tax deduction for folks in Southwest Washington who have already dutifully paid their taxes.