Diana DeGette

Unfortunately, some of the advances in these technologies... seem to have been so slow over at the FDA.

For the generation of kids like our two kids, Ms. Sagan's and mine, the short-term cure is medical devices.

On the one hand, people are relying on devices, and on the other hand, we want to make sure that improvements and advances in those devices and new devices are approved with speed.

Determining total lead content was preferable to risk assessment.

We need to look at all of those.

The devil is in the details of these regulations.

Would you be willing to submit a copy of those statutes to this committee so that we could then look at those statutes within the purview of this committee and think about ways to fix them so that we can reduce the burden of regulations?

So Mr. Chairman, one thing I am concerned about, you can't really talk about regulatory reform in a vacuum without looking at the statutes that Congress has passed.

But that doesn't mean you are not doing regulatory reform, correct?

We recently strengthened the Do Not Call Rule.

If there are problems with the way the regulations are being promulgated, we need to talk about that, but eliminating these important consumer product safety provisions is simply not an option.

I frankly am pleased to hear you today embrace the President's Executive order that sets forth principles of regulation protecting public health, welfare, safety and the environment while at the same time promoting economic growth and…

If they are not providing appropriate documents, then that needs to happen.

I think it is hard to see how an empty-chair hearing would accomplish anything, and I think it is a profound waste of everybody's time.

I think sitting here this morning is a big waste of time.

And it frankly seems very unfair for beneficiaries to face huge and unexpected demands to pay funds back to Medicare years after they have settled.

And so obviously this program is important in making sure that taxpayers are protected and that the Medicare program is not paying bills that other insurers should be paying.

I am pleased that we are having this hearing today on Medicare Secondary Payer issues.

We have to grapple with this, and we have to grapple with it in a way that is science-based, not in a way that is based on politics.

So, really, it seems to me--I don't want to be implying either that more regulations would save more money or fewer regulations would cost or save more money.

The President urged agencies to expand opportunities for public participation in the regulatory process and to look for ways to make regulations more efficient and effective.

If you can get somebody from your staff to send us an e-mail--don't send us a letter----

I completely agree that there should be some explanation by these agencies, the EPA and the other agencies, about, in fact, what the impact of these regulations should be on jobs.

The President wants to tailor regulations to impose the least burden on society.

Do you think that Federal regulations like these can support economic growth and foster job creation.