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Rep. Marsha Blackburn, (R-Tenn.) on efforts to end Department of Energy federal loan guarantees.
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House today fighting to protect taxpayers for more -- as this as two more solar companies are getting ready to take more of our money.
To the same program the -- of the now bankrupt cylinder and abound solar joining me now Republican congresswoman Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee.
From the energy and commerce committee great to see you congresswoman what.
-- bad data show.
-- -- learned in the hearing today that was new.
What we'll -- that was new was astounding.
You had mr.
-- -- is the acting director of the Department of Energy loan program who actually told us.
Dead heat sinks in this program has been an enormous success.
He also told us in -- he thinks it's okay.
To continue to subordinate the taxpayers.
To individuals if one of these companies goes belly up.
And we -- just shot to to hear that how can use day.
Did this loan guarantee program has been a success when you're looking at Solyndra and a 123 and -- -- soul.
You know the list goes on and on Jerry it was just amazing well and -- -- companies here that have gone bankrupt -- that it had major financial difficulties there's a second problem of one to problem here crony capitalism.
Companies that are very close to the president I did they address that issue at all in this hearing today.
Well -- -- that really -- in my opinion I felt like that that was a little bit that the some starting and the issue that they.
And using this is a good starting point to address this issue.
Is because you've got I have some more transparency.
And work under require the Department of Energy to report back to -- -- on people that are in the program and how they're releasing these tranches of money.
Well you know you mentioned that -- new legislation and we had cliff Stearns on last night to talk about it.
-- you don't look congresswoman at the end of the day it may pass the house but it's gonna go nowhere in the senate.
What can you guys do to make sure that our taxpayer dollars are wasted.
Well I think that there are several things that we can do and we've been busy on that through the appropriations process.
Blocking money from being used by the Department of Energy to continue summit -- -- going forward.
We do think it's important to say.
They any applications.
That that have been Ney aide to apply and be a part of this program will not be considered.
Only those that worked for before December 31.
2011.
Would even have the option of being considered in making certain.
That the secretary of treasury and that DO we secretary.
Have to sign off on this and participate in the vetting process.
And also what we want to do is put some penalties in place for it -- career employees.
Who are approving this who have.
Laying the ground work if you will or have okayed this crony capitalism.
And have allowed it to take twice the commerce.
You know penalties.
That's one thing -- -- lose their jobs.
I I think losing their job is a very.
But good stamp but I think in addition to that there have to be some financial penalties -- -- -- if somebody.
Guessing hearing things while this is a friend to so and so will approve this one that it's really not.
And going to be at eight a good project for a eyes and I know it today sign -- -- that they have to pay if 50000 dollar penalty.
And -- to think twice or three times are.
And maybe not like I reckon it is a day I think heads should roll on as maybe even -- -- and I secretary should thank -- yeah.
Heavy call for that I have I have said that out months ago that I felt like mister -- -- that this is step aside.
I I think that this entire program.
And is out of control that's why last -- I wrote the latter saying -- stop -- And they ended this program and so because of that.
I'm glad that -- my colleagues agree with me and we've taken steps some crafting well inflation.
And unfortunately we will the administration is ignoring all of these calls for change -- all these calls for resignation and they're getting greater ramp this up all over again.
You know that what is the solution here congresswoman.
Does solution is to make certain that first of all or any long from any department.
That is made by the federal government is that in there are going to be some transparencies.
And some checks and balances.
That are in place and that they have to report two -- in congress.
And that we're going to do that also to require those -- abilities but penalties in place.
And into yen actually yen to -- some of these programs.
And that are alike day so we're under the -- week long program and not except any more applications just say no you can't consider.
These applications after this given date -- -- question -- apparently on the shortly yet to be considered for vice president for Mitt Romney.
Are you go into a job do you wanna do it -- I am sorry I think there are a lot of good people at that are out there I'm aware there's been some press got this circulating around out there today -- and -- are a lot of good people out there and I think that I only.
Governor Romney knows he's on his short list are -- -- congressman Blackburn thanks for coming on tonight always a pleasure to have you here.
Get to.
