Gilbert Gutknecht: “First of all, I just want to make it clear to all Members the word ``appears'' is what is in the statute today. We are…”

“First of all, I just want to make it clear to all Members the word ``appears'' is what is in the statute today. We are using exactly the same standard. If Members would like a copy, we certainly can get it to you. Ultimately, it comes down, as I said earlier, to this chart. Now, if Members can explain this chart, if they can defend this chart to their constituents, then go ahead and vote against my amendment. It is a very simple amendment. Earlier today we had a special guest who came and spoke to the Republican Conference, all the way up from Pennsylvania Avenue. I took some notes, and here are some of the things that he said. We all ought to pay attention. He said all wisdom does not reside here in Washington. We trust the people. Do we really? Do we trust the people to make decisions about their own health care? It is important to do what is right for the American people, he said. This is not a world of the perfect, he said. Finally, he said, and I quote, ``We have to be a Nation of free trade.'' Mr. Chairman, if we believe in free trade, if we believe in empowering the American people, should they not have a right to be able to import legal, FDA-approved drugs from G-8 countries? This amendment does not even include Mexico. It does not include narcotics. My amendment does not include codeine. This is a very simple, small amendment to say to the FDA, stop pestering law-abiding citizens.”