Transcript: Rep. Charles Rangel's Remarks on Controversial Academic Center

And the roughest paragraph that comes the closest to smelling like the editorial said doesn't smell right is next to the last paragraph: "I will be exploring with my congressional colleagues how best to move this idea through the appropriations process" -- and for those who don't like that process, you can substitute earmarks -- "about securing funds for the planning phase of the creation of the center.

"I request your advice and assistance concerning how the donor community" -- that's foundations, particularly private and corporate foundations interested in education for grants to support the creation of the center -- "and I look forward to entering dialogue with you," and I encourage them to meet with City College.

And so, like I said, I end up as I began, let's get the ink out, help me to be creative by firing your best shot in questions. I'm so proud of what I do, and I can't possibly conceive that the creativity of the reporter exceeds what I am trying to do in terms of encouraging more funds, private and public, to go into education.

And it might be helpful if I can ask whether or not the reporter covering the story can challenge anything that I've said about the content of the letter that's in question. Since I don't know him or her -- good.

RANGEL: Do you challenge any part -- did you find in any letter, due to your creative investigation, any request for money?

QUESTION: Well, Mr. Chairman, I'll let the letters speak for themselves. But I wanted to ask you a question. It's my understanding...