How they test and how frequently they test, how accurately they test is of enormous importance to us.

you really can't entirely predict what a prion-related disease will do.

Wisconsin officials are in constant contact with us here and they have informed us that they need over $5 million in fiscal year 2004 for continued chronic wasting disease testing and monitoring.

Clearly, protection of our food supply is one of our greatest responsibilities.

We must remember that much of Rural America did not share in all the prosperity that the rest of the Nation enjoyed over the past decade.

If they have a backlog with their testing, they have got to do something about it, and if we need to help them, then that is what we need to do.

I would like to offer a very warm welcome to Senator Bennett as he assumes his responsibilities as chairman of this subcommittee.

Thank you for that willingness to work with producers and I urge you to get those checks out to the farmers as soon as possible.

I think the American people need some answers, and this hearing will provide a unique opportunity for you to address them.

America's dairy farmers and those in my state of Wisconsin, which has more dairy farmers than any other state by far, are suffering hugely from low prices and a dairy pricing system that often works against the farmers best interests.

So whatever problems they have are our problems, isn't that true?

It is the USDA's responsibility to make sure that the food supply is as safe as possible, and that includes, obviously, making sure that what is imported undergoes the same rigorous oversight and scrutiny as the food that we make for…

He is someone that I and other members of this committee have come to know, respect and admire for his fairness.

I would like to offer a very warm welcome to Senator Bennett as he assumes his responsibilities as chairman of this subcommittee.

I do not want anything from either of you yet, but I just want to say that the hearings that were held under Senator Biden's chairmanship on Iraq at the end of July and early August were really some of the most useful hearings.

I think it is a comfort to the American people that this committee is really stepping up to the plate and asking the tough questions.

I support the Swiss Center of North America not just because it will be located in my district.

I wish wealthy interests with business before this body didn't have unlimited ability to give money to our political parties through the soft money loophole, but they do.