I apologize for breaking the rules. I was confused. Rule 14 states:
"14. The first speech of the hearing shall be reserved to the nominee himself, unless he reject this privilege knowingly and willfully, so that he may make his own introduction. The Chairman or Deputy Chairman may invite that the nominee make the final speech."
The first speech is reserved to me, and in combination with the wording about the final speech, I assumed that you were simply waiting for me to proceed. I didn't think that Rule 9 applied in this regard, but in the future I will request leave to speak when otherwise prompted by the rules.
So it was a simple misunderstanding on my part. Won't happen again.
"14. The first speech of the hearing shall be reserved to the nominee himself, unless he reject this privilege knowingly and willfully, so that he may make his own introduction. The Chairman or Deputy Chairman may invite that the nominee make the final speech."
The first speech is reserved to me, and in combination with the wording about the final speech, I assumed that you were simply waiting for me to proceed. I didn't think that Rule 9 applied in this regard, but in the future I will request leave to speak when otherwise prompted by the rules.
So it was a simple misunderstanding on my part. Won't happen again.