Tom Harkin

I personally, as a member of this subcommittee, support additional funding for NIH research, but in particular, today just for a few minutes, I would like to emphasize the importance of accelerating research in the area of cystic fibrosis.

The scientific advances that result from this funding will probably take some time to gauge but in the meantime, I expect it to have a tremendous impact on the economy.

I will have healthcare reform behind us, maybe a little bit more time.

Thank you, Senator Shelby, and thanks for all your involvement in this subcommittee over many, many years in research, medical research.

I don't want any of you here at the table to take this wrongly, but all of this money won't just go to Bethesda.

Every time a researcher gets a grant, it supports an average of six or seven jobs.

These are exciting times for NIH. After several years of stagnant funding, the Recovery Act has breathed new life into the field of biomedical research.

I support streamlining that could be done over there.

I am glad to see that you have kept the mandatory funding levels for other programs like the CRP and CSP.

I am a little concerned, I must note for the record, about the proposed cutbacks in the WRP program and the EQIP program in the budget proposal.

In my view, these programs are now more important than ever, especially as we work to address significant environmental concerns.

I am very disappointed with the amount allocated in the President's budget for conservation programs.

I enthusiastically welcome the President's request for $1 billion annually in new funding for Federal child nutrition programs.

I was pleased to see that the President's budget builds strongly on investments made USDA energy programs in the 2008 farm bill.

But farmers and ranchers are a great strength of this economy. And I am confident that they will help lead the way to recovery.

I have always known that he is deeply committed to farm families, rural economic development, and strong Federal nutrition programs.

I do want to commend you and the President for putting that extra billion dollars a year in the President's budget request for child nutrition programs.

I hope, that you and other members of the committee are now getting to know the Tom Vilsack that those of us in Iowa have known for a long time, a very dynamic, smart, and progressive leader who is not afraid of change.

Somebody has to make those determinations.

But, obviously, if they can't produce much, then you pay them a little bit less--I understand that.

The 14-C Program... allows employers to pay subminimum wages to individuals with disabilities.

Thank you very much, Madam Secretary. Again, I really appreciate the focus you've made getting back in the game on OSHA and worker protections.

When you enter public life like this, it is a family affair; no doubt about it.

Thank you all very much for all of your past things that you have done on behalf of agriculture and health in America.

I think Secretary Vilsack has been actively engaged in dialogs regarding communications, from what I have heard.