Our Nation's diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

Hearing no objections, it is so ordered.

As I look at your $55 billion budget request for fiscal year 2010, I can't help but think about the stimulative impact that DHS could have if it went the extra mile and sought out small and minority businesses for contracting opportunities.

I would like to compliment you on this hearing, but I would also like to say it is coming back home.

We are fortunate to have the luxury of this hearing before something bad happens rather than examining this issue as a knee-jerk overreaction that could lead to bad biosecurity policy.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate your, again, holding this hearing.

While we know that the most recent H1N1 incidents are in no way linked to the U.S. animal agriculture, the emergence of new viruses further demonstrates our need to not only be prepared to react to disease outbreaks, but to also undertake the necessary mitigation and research efforts that allow us to stay one step ahead.

Australia has some great examples. Canada has some great examples.

I would also like to compliment you on this hearing, but I would also like to say it is coming back home.

Chairman Thompson, there is not a country in the world that looks exactly like ours, in the terms of make-up of the production, the producers, and the government.

Do you think a goal of 90% premise registration is attainable under our current voluntary process?