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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Not on basic.

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

I just want to put on the record my concern about the lack of service regarding the Astros and the Rockets.

You would be open to them to spinning off?

I submitted a question for the record following Secretary Johnson's first appearance before the committee that remains unanswered regarding EAGLE II.

The administration ignored us. Why? It wasn't because the data didn't exist; it was because the news wasn't good.