If we have a large budget cut to the FDA in next year's budget, is that going to help or hurt our ability to expedite the drug approval process?

I think that the FDA plays a vital role in protecting the health and security of Americans.

I am dismayed that out of three of the last four hearings, the majority has denied the minority a witness.

If someone calls a witness, it doesn't matter if they are a Democrat or Republican.

Make no mistake--a cut of this size would have a significant impact on FDA's ability to keep the food and drug supply safe.

I am deeply disappointed, however, that for the third time in the last month, the majority has denied the minority a hearing witness.

under this Drug Safety Enhancement Act which Mr. Dingell and some of us introduced yesterday, would that give the FDA new authorities to address issues like intentional economic adulteration like in the heparin situation?

The Drug Safety Enhancement Act, introduced yesterday by Mr. Dingell, will hold manufacturers responsible for the safety of their entire pharmaceutical supply chain.

I really think one of the questions, Mr. Chairman, we are going to want to explore as we move forward is do we really have the kinds of modeling that we need to develop nuclear energy safely in this country.

This is one of the most effective committees in the House, and in my 14 years on this subcommittee, it can also be one of the most bipartisan committees.

I am excited about the opportunity to serve in the 112th Congress as the ranking member of this esteemed committee.

Both Democrats and Republicans have supported laws to protect the health, environment, financial security, and safety of the American people.

The President's new Executive order on improving regulation and regulatory review is an excellent starting point.

We must recognize, however, how important regulations are to our national welfare.

we don't believe in overregulation and we don't believe that regulations should be burdensome, especially right now with unemployment still over 9 percent.

So President Obama and the Administration could not in and of themselves change the jurisdiction of OIRA--only Congress could do that, right?

Are you aware that EPA's proposed rule would potentially save thousands of lives per year and protect children from neurotoxins because the benefits are projected to be about 14 times greater than the cost?

the act of rape involves an assault to human dignity and it is not reducible just to numbers.

the total number of rules in the first 2 years of the Obama Administration is comparable to the number of rules in the last 2 years of the Bush Administration.

the EPA has finalized or proposed fewer Clean Air Act rules over the last 21 months than in the first 2 years of either President George W. Bush's Administration or President Clinton's Administration.

What was the role of NHTSA, and did they take this investigation seriously? Did they make a deal with Toyota that limited a tough and thorough investigation?

we have a new beginning as we attempt to harness the power of the sun, the power of geothermal, the power of the wind

they are issues which we must grapple with, they are issues that we cannot afford to fail in

we look very much forward to working with the Members of Congress as we tackle the difficult issues of an energy future for America

In fact, in the current draft of the Waxman-Markey Climate Change Bill woody biomass is included in the renewable electricity standard.