We really need to look at cost and quality, what is effective, what is scientifically sound, and have a mechanism for doing that.

Well, these are all very stimulating, and I think there are some suggestions I got this morning...

I just wonder if, in some of the debate that is coming up on Medicare and stuff, I know it is all focused mostly on prescription drugs, but I am wondering if we should not--when the horse is leaving the barn to try to get on some of this…

Just one last question for you Dr. Mentel. How did you convince Mayo to come up with the capital for this?

My constituents literally are choosing between groceries and staying on their prescriptions. This is not only a crisis, it is an urgent crisis.

I profoundly disagree about what you have just said.

I have had people tell me that at one time it used to be the border towns were various kinds of tourist attractions, now it is pharmacia, pharmacia, pharmacia as they go across the border.

We will need the FDA's cooperation for that legislation which I am convinced will pass once again to make that work.

America remains the only major industrialized society in the world that does not negotiate on behalf of its citizens a better price.

the filibuster encourages the President to find common ground with the Senate on nominating individuals who can garner consensus.

the filibuster reflects the Senate's longstanding respect for minority views and underscores the unique role of the Senate as a part of American democracy.

The American people would be shocked to learn that the USDA does not have the fundamental authority to protect public health.

The principle that we are operating under is an open-ended mandatory program. Is that right or not?

I understand what you are saying about the budget came up before the Omnibus. I understand that.

The negative statements about COL from the Administration cause me great concern with regard to the credibility and the agenda of USDA.

I hope we do not do that.

I will keep mine real short.

If farmers do the work, the conservation work, to earn up to the $3.773 billion, then they should not be denied access to that money.