We have to use real information. We have to get away from demagoguery. We are only going to solve these problems with the truth.

The problem is, a U.S. Government bond is a liability to the Treasury.

I think one lesson learned is sometimes it is very difficult to achieve one goal.

I am certainly committed to working with you and the gentlemen here, our witnesses, to bring some reform to this issue.

This is not a partisan issue. This is a management issue.

I do not want to let this moment pass.

I appreciate the courage of anybody willing to step forward and risk that kind of retaliation...

Well, again, that is why we set up our [email protected], just throw that plug out there.

I agree with the goal of the Lloyd-LaFollette Act, an anti-retaliation law that created a no-exceptions right to communicate with Congress.

The purpose of this hearing is to highlight so the American people understand and so that this Committee understands...

Again, that is awful general.

This is an area that I think we can all agree that more work needs to be done.

We need to do better for our Nation's veterans.

In my view, that is what today's hearing is all about.

Congress has a choice to recognize this and work together to create a stronger economy and security for our people.

They expect us to cut wasteful government spending and tax expenditures that favor those at the top.

Again, my point is what we are doing clearly is not working, and so we have to think outside the box and look for a different solution.

I think most people would agree it is a really good idea, but only if completely followed and only if we do complete background checks.

the purpose of any hearing under my chairmanship is that in the end, following the hearing, every Member on the dais, hopefully every member of the audience, takes the first step in solving any problem, which is admit we have one.

we are looking for 100 percent security to keep not only just airline but all public transportation 100 percent safe and secure.

we are looking for complete efficiency so that lines do not back up.

if we ever are going to solve any problem--and I have said this repeatedly from this chair--we have to recognize and acknowledge reality.

I really do want you to tell your story and how you were retaliated against, because that has been a problem that I have seen repeatedly now in my 4 years of people that have the courage in the Federal Government, coming forward, telling a…

I totally agree. I made that same point.

But the bottom line is that certainly CIGIE believes there are a lot of potentially qualified Inspectors General for this Administration to appoint.