I guess in a larger sense, we thank you for your substantial and enduring commitment to public service over a number of years now.

we are going to fight really hard to make sure that we preserve it and we fund it at all costs.

I think most of the Presidential candidates we met with spoke to this issue.

Certainly, we have had the initiative in the Energy and Power Subcommittee.

As Vice Chairman of this subcommittee, I am honored and privileged and pleased to chair this important hearing on the threat and consequences to our Nation's critical infrastructure from electromagnetic pulse, EMP.

I am most concerned about the funding of this program, which is the one program--and a tremendously successful program--that trains medical students specifically in children's hospitals.

The administration seems to be on the other side of this argument.

I want to commend Congressman Franks for his leadership. I don't think any Member of Congress knows this issue more than he does.

it is a major priority of mine, but I think it is shared by a lot of people across the country.

In a remarkably bipartisan effort, it has now been reauthorized for 5 years.

My hope is that this hearing will be successful in educating the public on the threat of EMP and will alleviate some of the fears that people have on EMP attacks.

While the threat of an EMP event is real, I believe we need to use scientific, risk-based, and frankly, common-sense plans and exercises to give us a clearer picture of how to prevent and respond in the event of an EMP incident.

Phase three of the European phased adaptive approach envisions the deployment of the AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense System and advanced SM-3 Interceptors.

It is my opinion that our country still lacks a real strategy for children.

We may have to look at a legislative construct that responds to all of the comments being made today.

Thank you for holding this hearing on one of the most significant threats to our National and Homeland Security.

Not on basic.

If we can pursue this--I do not think you answered--thank you--the question on consumer price and your efforts to contain the price that the consumer has with this merger.