Kit Bond

Thank you very much, Senator Shelby.

Would the Soyuz meet the test that the Gehman Committee applied to the shuttle?

Has there been a similar examination of the safety of the Soyuz?

What are we going to have to pay Russia for taking U.S. astronauts to and from the ISS?

Obviously, you have to have the good science first, and how do you go about addressing the public concerns?

We are going to give this very serious attention.

We want to be ahead of the issue.

Are the guidelines or criteria outlined by the NSF and are those good criteria?

Thank you. That is your judgment, and I am delighted to hear about it.

If we can genetically engineer the indigenous plants so that they are resistant to viruses, other diseases, pests, and in some instances, perhaps more drought tolerant.

I believe the discussion of the allegations in the document is incomplete, and does not justify the sweeping conclusions of either the document or the accompanying statement.

Hungry countries in the world are looking for better technology to provide the food that they need, with less reliance on chemical pesticides.

I also believe the document has methodological flaws that undermine its own conclusions, not the least of which is the failure to reflect responses or explanations from responsible government officials.

I have been interested in expanding the plant biotechnology, especially in places in Africa.

I would wholeheartedly concur with that. I think there are many needs in education.

I could not agree more with Senator Mikulski.

We are going to have to go for a vote in a few minutes.

Yes, but what do you want to do at NSF?

We work more than that up here, but you are doing important work.

I hope that next year if you are working on a budget that you can take your opening statement to OMB.

I am a big supporter of plant biotechnology, because it is generating exciting possibilities for improving human health and nutrition.

I support the recommendations and expect NSF to implement them as soon as possible.

Science and technology is our future, make no mistake about it.

As many of you know, Senator Mikulski and I have been, and we will continue to be extremely strong supporters of the NSF and a robust budget for the NSF.

I just came with mixed emotions from a hearing where I did something that causes me qualms.