red, meaned staub, so we thank you for that. thank you very much you may began. >> thank you chairman towns, ranking member issa and members of the committee. how about now? now? okay. germantown's ranking member ice and members of the committee, i appreciate the opportunity to discuss the federal reserve's role in the acquisition by the bank of america of merrill lynch. >> you know, is it on? staff, help me. because we can't hear him. pull it closer to him. i believe the federal reserve acted with the highest integrity throughout its discussions. >> still, we are still having trouble. we have some senior citizens up here. [laughter] we are having trouble hearing you. is there any way you can turn the volume up on it? >> we have got a replacement down below that they can pull up. >> there is another one on the floor? a back up on the floor? staff? >> that sounds better. >> how is that? >> better. >> i would like the full extent of my time if i may. i believe that the federal reserve acted with the highest integrity throughout it