There are huge variations in the capabilities at the State and local level.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. All of us are extremely concerned about the human swine flu outbreak that continues to grow in our country and around the world.

It is not an easy decision to decide to do a mass inoculation, and while I am sure that the science behind vaccines has improved in the last 30 years, the experience of 1976 should cause us to proceed with caution.

I do want to applaud you for the response.

there are other steps that could be taken to enhance the screening at the border.

It seems to me that there are steps that could be taken to strengthen the screening at the border...

I am not advocating closing the border. That is not my position.

We should be going beyond routine procedures given the threat.

I believe that most Americans would be surprised to learn that 36,000 people every year die from the regular seasonal flu.

It is.

Is the Administration developing any kind of plan or recommendations to try to ensure that we have the capability to produce vaccines right here in the United States?

The fact that three Cabinet Secretaries are here today demonstrates the seriousness with which the Federal Government is preparing for and responding to the H1N1 pandemic.

I am worried that the virus is getting ahead of the public health system's capacity at this moment to prevent it and respond to it, particularly with adequate treatment.

Are you concerned that even though we have been very successful in developing an effective vaccine that it is going to arrive too late to do the good that we would hope?

Thank you.

I am very concerned about recent reports on inadequate supplies of the vaccine.

I would appreciate your responding to for the record.

I am heartened by the coordinated response.