Fred Upton

I think it's a good sign when we're having a healthy debate about the tough questions before the commission--it means the system is working.

With communications and technology issues touching nearly every part of our 21st century economy, these sectors need a fair, consistent, and transparent regulator.

We must have policies that promote investment in the infrastructure to support it.

While this was an important effort, much more needs to be done.

Medicare Part D is a critically important program for our Nation's seniors.

Unfortunately, similar to our other entitlement programs, Medicare Part D remains vulnerable to fraud and abuse.

We look at the Santa Barbara spill a couple of weeks ago, and that spill, as I understand it from talking to Lois Capps, what went on for many, many hours.

There are a number of us that are not happy with the failure to really implement a number of the issues that were signed into law a number of years ago.

We will insist on greatly improved performance from PHMSA.

I look forward to studying the report and commend the state for its commitment to pipeline safety.

I think we can all agree that it is much, much better to be in a position to prevent incidents before they happen rather than to respond after they occur.

This committee takes pipeline safety very seriously.

The urgency for pipeline safety is greater than ever.

I am convinced, would have made a difference in the recent oil spill in Santa Barbara had they been implemented by PHMSA in a timely manner.

I am most disappointed that more than 1/3 of its requirements remain incomplete.

I worked closely with my friend, John Dingell, on a bipartisan basis.

This committee has a long bipartisan history on pipeline safety issues.

I claim the time in opposition, although I support the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Michigan is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

I would like to give my commitment, too. I would like to work with the gentleman from Colorado. This is an important issue. I believe it has got merit, but we have got to make sure that it is designed just the right way. I want to say it…

We strongly support this amendment, and I congratulate the gentlewoman for offering it. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), the former chairman, ranking member, subcommittee chair, ranking member, and…

Although I am not in opposition to the amendment, I claim the time. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Michigan is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

We support this amendment. I think that it is important. It would include underrepresented individuals in the sciences in the NIH report on efforts to attract, retain, and develop emerging scientists. It is important to ensure that the NIH…

I claim time in opposition, although I do not oppose this amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Michigan is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection.

I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from California will be postponed. Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. Castro of Texas The Acting…

Could I ask how much time is remaining on each side? The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Michigan has 2 minutes remaining, and the gentlewoman from California has 1 minute remaining.