Frank Pallone

So the first responders who rely on the World Trade Center Health Program did not hesitate to risk their lives for fellow Americans on 9/11, and we should not hesitate to care for them now.

It is of critical importance that we permanently reauthorize the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

But what is so important to note, is that this program isn't there to provide health insurance.

Those responders and survivors should not be abandoned, and I hope we can extend the health program without delay.

This is one of my top priorities for 2015, and I'm grateful for your willingness to work with me to ensure its timely passage.

We now know with great documentation that thousands of first responders and survivors of the attacks are now suffering debilitating illnesses from its aftermath.

I am proud to fight alongside you.

I also want to acknowledge Dr. Iris Udasin, who runs the New Jersey 9/11 Health Clinic.

This bill is a critical first step in ensuring that the 9/11 Health Program is extended as soon as possible.

It would be a nightmare for me personally, and it would be a nightmare for our members.

I don't want this program terminated before we have an opportunity to reauthorize it.

A failure on Congress' part to pass this vital legislation would constitute an egregious affront to the Americans who gave so much on 9/11 in service to their country.

I think younger people pay a lot of attention. And maybe we should pay more attention frankly.

The availability of this information will help consumers make informed choices about the food they are purchasing for themselves or for their families.

Increasing access to nutrition information can play an important role in fighting our Nation's battle against obesity and diet-related disease.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I am a purist. Some of those machines now, you press Coke and it gives you five different Cokes.

We should not be carelessly narrowing or creating loopholes in the law, and I think we need to understand the impact of these projects before they are constructed.

I think these energy infrastructure projects are a lot more than just a border crossing: they are going to last for decades.

This provision makes an end run around the National Environmental Policy Act, and would eliminate meaningful review of the environmental impacts of proposed cross-border energy projects.

Climate change, as you know, is real and we are already feeling its effects across the country.

I appreciate your mentioning our New Jersey grant because, obviously, we did have a lot of vulnerabilities during Super Storm Sandy.

I am encouraged that CMS implementation of GAO's recommendations will further help state Medicaid programs in their efforts to address this persistent issue.

Given that Medicaid is a joint state/Federal program, states have a very important role to play in preventing improper payments.

The GAO next recommended that CMS apply more complete data for screening Medicaid providers.