Good morning, everyone and thank you for joining us. By theeased to be joined speaker and my fellow chairs to announce the introduction of the protecting our democracy act. In introducing this landmark will, the house is taking another important step in our determination to protect our democracy. Since taking office, donald trump has viewed the discuss the constraints on his power and demand for basic transparency and accountability as an inconvenience. He has claimed extraordinary the lawent and broken and purposely undermined the rule of law. He is probed for where his palette powers are least constrained. Weakness,he has found he has exploited it with great consequence for our nation. The House Democratic caucus, under the leadership of the speaker and all the chairs represented here, as well as many others, have stood strong. We defended the law, the constitution and our nations values. Even impeaching the president when he was caught abusing his power in an effort to extort a fore
Office testified. This isan hour and 20 minutes. I thank everybody for joining us today. Both virtually and in the hearing room. And also like to thank the witnesses for their participation in this important and timely oversight hearing. Before we begin id like to take this opportunity to note some important requirements. Let me begin by saying that Standing Health and Committee Roles at practice will continue to apply during hybrid proceedings. All members are reminded that theyre expected to adhere to these standing rules and put in a courtroom. During the period designated by the speaker the committee will operate in accordance with House Resolution 965 and subsequent guidance from the rules committee and canada respects the rights of all members to participate. House regulations require members to be visible through a video connection throughout the preceding though please keep your cameras on. Also, please remember to remain muted until you are recognize to minimize background noi
Day. We ask your blessing upon those throughout our country who are suffering so much more each day. Keep safe the firefighters out west. Keep safe those who are responding to the destruction of Hurricane Sally on the gulf coast. Listen to the cries of those who have lost so much as a result of these natural covid rs even as the pandemic weeks its havoc in our communities. Here in the capitol impel with your spirit the members of congress who, more than any others, have the opportunity to address our nations needs. Give them the wisdom and ourage to do so working as a united force for good in these times. Lord, have mercy. May all that is done this day be for your greater honor and glory. Men. The speaker thank you, father. Pursuant to section 4a of House Resolution 967, the journal of the last days proceedings is approved. The pledge of allegiance will be led by the gentlewoman from michigan, ms. Slotkin. Ms. Slotkin i pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america and
Connectivity issues or other problems that render the member unable to participate on camera. Members participating remotely will remain muted when not recognized, just like turning your microphone on and off. This is out of courtesy to all members on the committee. When you are recognized, you will need to unmute your microphone and pause for a couple of seconds before speaking so that well be able to hear everything that you say. If you wish to be recognized, raise your hand using the webex raise hand option, unmute your microphone and asked to be recognized. I ask that members pause for two or three seconds before beginning to speak. If you wish to have a document inserted in the record, ask for unanimous consent and which your staff email that document. It will be uploaded to the Committee Document repository. Please keep in mind that you will need to refresh the repository page as it does not automatically update. Members will be recognized in order of committee seniority for ques
The Senate Finance subcommittee on fiscal responsibility on Economic Growth is a virtual hearing on the fiscal outlook and i thank you all for participating. I thank you all for participating and i think its going to be good and im sorry we couldnt have had it in a more to say a more formal setting because it may been better attended. Im not sure any hearing we have had would be any more important in the spirit her witnesses will be the director of the Congressional Budget Office and jeans are darl who is the comptroller general of the United States in the head of the u. S. Government Accountability Office. With that i will make my Opening Statement and turned to Maggie Hassan my Ranking Member and then i think Ranking Member wise and for the entire committee for statement you would like to make as well. Again thank you all for being here. Im grateful to all who are joining us via the internet. Today we will address the topic a with refer to shy away from addressing her nations run awa