it appears to me that his willingness to accept the prime ministership, rather than cause confrontation over a flawed election, that he is probably the best chance to really bring about fundamental change in Zimbabwe.

Her leadership is going to pick up right where you left off, Tom, and we are not going to miss a beat.

Well thank you very much, Madam Chairman, and boy, it has a great ring to it, Madam Chairman.

Madam Chairman, thank you for holding this important hearing and to consider these nominations pending before the Ag Committee.

Both Chairman Genzler and Secretary Geithner and I have had conversations about the fact that we need to bring the Europeans on board.

I think we would be a little remiss if on this side we did not recognize the great work that the staff of Senator Harkin has done.

I appreciate those kind comments. It has been a real pleasure to work with you, Tom.

Rather than tasking various regulatory agencies with duplicative functions and confusing market participants, we should seek to ensure an efficient coordination among regulators.

Thank you, Madam Chairman, and I would first like to ask that three letters in support of Mr. O'Malia's nominations from Senators Murray, Bingaman and Dorgan to you and I be submitted into the record.

I have had a serious concern about what a change in position limits will do relative to not just our domestic market, but the reaction that we might have overseas.

You guys do not toot your horn enough, but I think it is an absolutely correct statement to say that because of the work in part that you all have done at the Commission from an oversight standpoint, as well as what is going on at the SEC…

Are you folks satisfied with the information that you are getting from the London Exchange on these contracts?

While sanitary and fido sanitary standards are vital to protect our country from foreign pests and diseases, many of our trading partners use these standards as barriers from time to time to stop our exports.

Will you commit to using science-based technology to implement regulations?

Thank you very much, Madam Chairman.

Agriculture, the challenge by the turmoil in the economy, has weathered the storm fairly well.

It is a significant concern to all of our livestock producers and the implementation process is not going to be easy, but I am sure you are up to that challenge.

The biotech issue, GMO issue with our European friends is always a continuing issue and I have had significant debates with the Russians over their, I think, faults presentation relative to fido sanitary issues on import of chicken…