I am not sure what else we would ask you to do. You have been admonished or exhorted by a number of Members of Congress, that Congress should act.

Better late than never.

Thank you for the work you do and thank you for coming here today.

I think it is imperative that you conduct an independent study and review--and your review include all the development of the risk factors known to the industry.

the whole issue on balancing autonomy with proper fiscal reform and oversight is going to be an interesting balance.

I hope to learn more this morning on what you are doing to take positive steps in these areas.

Unfortunately, your budget assumes many areas of tax increases, new user fees, changes in mandatory spending, and other spending sources that are beyond the purview of this subcommittee.

I was especially disappointed to see your proposal to cut the National Institutes of Health.

I fear that the President's request has realized concerns of many past and current stakeholders about the unintended consequences associated with these proposed reforms.

We are the best, most efficient growers in the world. We want to sell them American grain and meat and poultry.

Removing the American farmer and shipper from participation in this 60 year old tradition of the Food for Peace Program does not create intended efficiencies.

The President's budget, once again, proposes to slash spending for food aid, including a $116 million cut to the Food for Peace Program.

We take whatever laws Congress passes and directs us to do quite seriously, and we are certainly committed to working through the issues and the complexity of this in a pragmatic way and one that gives our employees certainty, but also…

the importance of U.S. exports to the agriculture sector, and this is one of the few sectors of our economy that has a consistent trade surplus.

Both of those individuals, Acting Commissioner and the Secretary, clearly stated that the science behind these products supported the federal government's position that these products are safe for planting and safe for human consumption.

the risk of unintended consequences with genetic modification has a potential to create new defects and/or disease.

So when do you anticipate making a final determination on whether to move forward with this rule?

How can the administration tell the public they are concerned about rising cost of prescription drugs on one hand, and then on the other finalize a rule that could add another $4 billion to the cost of prescription drugs?