I know some Republican members think we need severe cuts in the Federal budget that put gapping holes in our safety net while giving tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans.

Many in the device industry argue that Europe should be our model and they say new technologies are available years before they are on the market in the United States.

Our goal today is to start the process of reauthorizing the Medical Device User Fee Act.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The real compassion in this country is to make sure that we can get drugs and devices that work and that are safe to consumers.

The device industry claims that FDA regulation is killing jobs, stifling innovation, and depriving American patients of new medical devices.

FDA's job is to protect the public health.

But the Congress needs to work with this administration on long-term adjustments that must be made to ensure that the U.S. economy is one that rewards fair play and hard work.

I want to congratulate you. Back home I am hearing from the veterans that this is not the VA that was there ten years ago.

The recent budget by this administration for fiscal year 2013 shows its commitment to restoring middle class security by attacking wasteful spending and instead investing in education, innovation, and infrastructure.

I have very little faith that Congress is going to provide the appropriations for the FDA to do the job without a user fee.

I was concerned about this program when we implemented it in 1997. I was never comfortable with the concept of having external third parties who have the potential for conflict of interests on their own reviewing these important devices.

No one action turned the economy around or can turn the economy around, but efforts including the Recovery Act... have helped.

Thank you for holding this hearing, and focusing attention on job creation and economic growth, which should be our immediate priorities.

When you force a decision, you get a bad decision.

Production of food is going to be a critical issue to not only our nation, but the world.

I think you have a 2017 deadline. I think we need to look at moving that up, especially coinciding with the Bay Delta Conservation.

Well, let me quickly, because my time is expiring, and I know you have very short time here, the President has talked about reorganization authority.