Margaret A. Hamburg: “This is one of the most important public health challenges before us.”

We need these additional resources now to actually go from what is being spelled out in a set of, I think, very thoughtful and responsible regs that have been developed, and actually seeing the difference on the ground.

The sequester is of significant concern to us, and overlaid on the additional issue of expanding responsibilities, these cuts will come at a cost.

I believe our fiscal year 2014 budget efficiently targets our needs, focusing on programs that are essential to providing Americans with the safe foods and effective medical products they expect and deserve.

Congress has given FDA responsibility for a vast range of products that are central to the health and well-being of every American.