Even though you've announced your retirement from the Senate, that service that has been, as we say in the south, 'in your bones,' will continue.

I would like to support a country that is making strides in a secular, more democratic direction--respecting the rights, for example, of Coptic Christians.

I look at Congress's language, as it relates to the economic support funds for Cyprus, and find that they go to bicommunal projects aimed at reunification measures to reduce tensions and promote peace and cooperation between the two…

I appreciate your recognition of that. The problem is that what AID has been doing over time is taking from the Latin America accounts whenever it faces a challenge.

That is not acceptable.

I don't know how you get to bicommunal efforts if you don't have conversations and engage the Cypriot Government.

If we have a large budget cut to the FDA in next year's budget, is that going to help or hurt our ability to expedite the drug approval process?

I strongly believe that global food security programs are critical to our immediate and long-term national security and economic interests.

This is a global security crisis. The lack of food security contributes to instability.

I think that the FDA plays a vital role in protecting the health and security of Americans.

The Drug Safety Enhancement Act, introduced yesterday by Mr. Dingell, will hold manufacturers responsible for the safety of their entire pharmaceutical supply chain.

under this Drug Safety Enhancement Act which Mr. Dingell and some of us introduced yesterday, would that give the FDA new authorities to address issues like intentional economic adulteration like in the heparin situation?

Make no mistake--a cut of this size would have a significant impact on FDA's ability to keep the food and drug supply safe.

I am dismayed that out of three of the last four hearings, the majority has denied the minority a witness.

I am deeply disappointed, however, that for the third time in the last month, the majority has denied the minority a hearing witness.

If someone calls a witness, it doesn't matter if they are a Democrat or Republican.

I hope Commissioner Hamburg can help convince my Republican colleagues to reconsider their proposed cuts to the FDA budget.

But it is the appropriate forum if it is not being done correctly and the American public is at risk because--have been delayed.