Mark Pryor

As I understand it, in 2007 the FCC began an inquiry about... whether educational and informational programming actually had any significant educational value.

I want to thank you for mentioning the Child Safe Viewing Act, and, you know, hopefully, some good will come of that.

I do thank you, Mr. Chairman.

That process, and the one launched by this hearing, together reflect an appropriate and I believe widespread interest in the consequences for children and families of the new digital media landscape.

Thank you for your interest in this, and always being a tireless advocate of protecting our children, not just on television, but in other media.

The patient is considered first.

Tell the Subcommittee, here, how you believe the merger has harmed patients and consumers.

Healthcare is just so dominant these days, and some days we seem to surge ahead and some days we seem to surge backward.

The average American family pays twice as much for healthcare as they did 10 years ago.

I have to let the record show that I'm very, very angry at insurance companies--health insurance companies.

Healthcare is one of the top two reasons that people go into bankruptcy.

Senator Mikulski wanted to be here this morning, but she's voting on healthcare reform.

Thank you for your leadership and your attention on this issue, because you're making a great difference all over the country.

She's really wanting to work with all sides to try to get this bill done as quickly as possible.

Well, it sounds like we have an honest disagreement here, and we're not going to solve it today. But, I really do appreciate your input.

I completely agree with giving the consumers access to information that might help them make informed choices.

We cannot, the states cannot, local governments cannot, go after all of these scammers.

From your experience, how is that coordination going between various Federal and State agencies?

I encourage your committee to consider any additional enforcement measures at the Federal level to make people using these fraudulent tactics think twice.

I think now is the time, more than any, that we have to make sure we're enforcing these laws because people are really suffering out there, and predators prey on them when there's not enough money to go around.

Senator Nelson, do you have an opening statement?

Clearly, consumers are at risk of being swindled during this time, and they absolutely cannot afford to be bilked out of their savings and make disastrous financial decisions due to deceptive practices and fraud.

I think we'll have a robust discussion about that as we do our FTC reauthorization over the next several months.

Senator Wicker, if you'd like to make an opening statement, that would be great with the Subcommittee.

It's great to have you here today, and thank you.