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"CBO has become so much a part of this institution that we may take it for granted. But we should remember what a key role CBO plays in helping Congress effectively exercise the “power of the purse” assigned to us by the Constitution."

"We know the past year has been a monster year for your Office as you’ve had to meet all the deadlines of implementing the changes to the Congressional Account Act in 6 months. Kudos to you and your staff who clocked so many hours to meet the deadlines. I know the reforms are in the early stages of implementation, but we will be very interested in your thoughts about how it is going."

"While USDA’s Economic Research Service forecasted a rise in net farm income in 2019, due in most part to direct government payments, there are alarming trends in the agricultural sector that must be examined and addressed. Last year, according to USDA, farm debt reached record levels at $416 billion. Farm bankruptcies are at their highest levels since 2011. These trends appear to raise significant warning signs for the year ahead and I would like to hear from our witnesses on their outlook for 2020."

"I welcome today’s distinguished elected tribal leaders and non-elected tribal leaders, all of whom play an important role in educating others on Native issues and challenges. The issues we’ll be hearing about this morning are part of the treaty and trust obligation that the United States owes to Native Americans."

"The Capitol Police is an essential agency of the Legislative Branch. Chief, your team, is charged with keeping Congress - it’s Members, employees, visitors, and facilities both here and within our districts safe and protected from harm’s way. The men and women of the Capitol Police put their lives on the line each day to ensure Congress can operate efficiently."

"Although the budget for the Open World Center is small as compared to the rest of our Legislative Branch Agencies, it’s had a real impact in showcasing US values and democratic institutions in an area of the world where Russian officials stand firmly against our nation's democratic principles."

"We have to do everything that we can possibly do to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse, and mismanagement. We need to ensure that all of the USDA programs, over which our subcommittee has oversight, are operated with the best possible efficiencies in order to create the best possible outcome for those who use the agency."