mr. kasnich. >> mr. chairman, thank you very much for calling this hearing. i look forward to our witnesses today and to learn more about the department of energy's 1705 loan guarantee program and what it has achieved for the american people. but before the witnesses take their oath to provide true and accurate testimony, i want to make sure our congressional record is accurate to the best of our ability. on march 20th, 2012, our chairman issued a majority staff report alleging that "d.o.e. violated the statutory requirement that projects commenced construction by september 30th, 2011. in approving a loan guarantee. >> now, accusing a federal agency of breaking the law is a very serious accusation. and it's not made lightly or without -- should be made lightly without substantial evidence. the committee has in its possession a report of a september 2nd, 23011 site visit by engineers from d.o.e. and bank of america's independent contractor which appears to refute the accuracy of the majority's assertion. bank of america was the lender applicant of this project