This is not meant as a partisan statement, Mr. Storseth, but sometimes the impression that is left when invitations are given and people don't attend is that there's a certain degree of avoidance. While that may not be the intent, it's the impression that's certainly strongly being left.
My question is, Mr. Chair, through you to the clerk, did the department get asked to attend today? If they were asked, what was their response? Are they available on Thursday? If not Thursday, when?