We welcome you and respect your right to be here. We also asked in turn for your respect as we proceed with the basis of the committee today. It is the intention of this committee to proceed with this hearing without any disruptions. Any disruption of this committee will result in the u. S. Capitol police restoring order. Now listen up. This is very important. If a disruption occurs, a Capitol Police officer will go up to the individual and instruct that they seize the demonstration. If the person does not cease or begin the demonstration after the initial warning i the officer, the individual or individuals will be removed from the hearing room. We are very grateful for your presence today, and we very much appreciate that you want to listen to the witness, but we also ask you to respect the witnesses ability to express himself. I would also remind all members to avoid engaging in adverse personal references. I now recognize myself for five minutes to give an Opening Statement. Big to