Political Quotes

“I thank the ranking member, Mr. Pallone, for his leadership and legislative courtesies along the way. I'm very proud that as we begin a new year and a new Congress that this bill is on the floor. I think it's fitting that we begin a new Congress with this bill, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization. It is very important legislation, as you have already heard from those that have spoken. I first introduced this legislation with Congressman Mike Rogers, my friend, my colleague, at the committee, and we've done other bills together very successfully, as well. We began that particular effort in 2006 to better help our country prepare for a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack--all words that none of us really wish to utter. But we need to be prepared. Developing and stockpiling appropriate countermeasures is essential for public safety. And these programs encourage American companies to invest in areas of critical need because we need the partnership of the private sector in this as well. The bill before us today includes new provisions that highlight the important needs of our Nation's children. Children are not just little adults. They need special care and medical attention. They're especially vulnerable to biological or chemical agents because of their size, their limited capacity to flush toxins out of their bodies, their underdeveloped motor skills, and their total reliance on their parents or other caregivers.…”