I want to extend my thanks to the team in the Office of the Chief Accountant that works every day with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB").  I also want to thank the team in the Office of Financial Management.    

We are here this morning to fulfill the Commission's statutory duty to review and consider the PCAOB's 2019 budget and the related fees that will fund its operations.   Today's meeting brings the oversight process into the public.  This is important for both the Commission's and the PCAOB's accountability to the American people.

I look forward to hearing about the state of the PCAOB and what its plans are for the upcoming year to continue to protect investors and the integrity of our markets.

Thank you.