Removing the American farmer and shipper from participation in this 60 year old tradition of the Food for Peace Program does not create intended efficiencies.

We take whatever laws Congress passes and directs us to do quite seriously, and we are certainly committed to working through the issues and the complexity of this in a pragmatic way and one that gives our employees certainty, but also…

How can the administration tell the public they are concerned about rising cost of prescription drugs on one hand, and then on the other finalize a rule that could add another $4 billion to the cost of prescription drugs?

Both of those individuals, Acting Commissioner and the Secretary, clearly stated that the science behind these products supported the federal government's position that these products are safe for planting and safe for human consumption.

But if GMO products are safe, then my question would be: why are FDA or even sister agencies not doing more to educate the consumers that these products are perfectly safe?

I hope to learn more this morning on what you are doing to take positive steps in these areas.

the cost of drugs is a very real concern I think that the American public is concerned about.

I think the concern is probably China. And do we have different standards in place for places like China than we do in the United States?

The President's budget, once again, proposes to slash spending for food aid, including a $116 million cut to the Food for Peace Program.

We are the best, most efficient growers in the world. We want to sell them American grain and meat and poultry.

the risk of unintended consequences with genetic modification has a potential to create new defects and/or disease.

the importance of U.S. exports to the agriculture sector, and this is one of the few sectors of our economy that has a consistent trade surplus.

Premium cigars have also been an issue. It does not have that youth access issue.

I want to say thank you for your work. In your interim time at FDA, you have been certainly a pleasure to work with.

I think the bottom line is trying to find a better--to make sure the taxpayers' dollar is protected.

I am concerned, and I think many are concerned that some parts of the administration have not done enough to get in front of this debate.

I was especially disappointed to see your proposal to cut the National Institutes of Health.

Unfortunately, your budget assumes many areas of tax increases, new user fees, changes in mandatory spending, and other spending sources that are beyond the purview of this subcommittee.

I commend you for that, and as a cancer survivor, I certainly appreciate the elimination or the proposed elimination of all of the silos that have slowed down the collaboration.

So when do you anticipate making a final determination on whether to move forward with this rule?

I fear that the President's request has realized concerns of many past and current stakeholders about the unintended consequences associated with these proposed reforms.

We have an ever-shrinking pot of money for infrastructure improvement, and we are spreading it out way, way thin.

Without objection, I have got a letter that I would like to submit for the record.

I would like to hear in particular today how your Department is protecting Americans' second amendment rights...

I want to just mention to you that it is hard to believe that it has been 10 years ago, in the early morning hours of August 29, just a month from today, that Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast as a category 3 hurricane. With…