José E. Serrano: “I want to thank the gentlemen, both the chairman and the ranking member of the subcommittee and the ranking member of…”

“I want to thank the gentlemen, both the chairman and the ranking member of the subcommittee and the ranking member of the full committee, for this very important legislation. My reason for speaking is simply to inform you of what you may already know has taken place on the bill that we voted on the other night. The commission had a budget of $62 million. The President's request was $63 million. During our hearing process, our subcommittee oversees the agency, we were shocked to hear from them that they didn't need any more money. In the middle of such a crisis, they were the only agency in the Federal Government saying, ``Don't give us any more money.'' Well, understanding the need and within the limited resources, we went from this year's $62 million to a full $80 million, and I wish it could have been $280 million. The purpose of my comments is to remind both sides that since we increased the dollars by $18 million, it was a message that we were all sending that we understand the need to take care of these issues and to react in a very positive way. And so it falls on us now to be very vigilant to make sure that they do the work that they are supposed to do. There is nothing more important in my opinion at this present moment than to ensure the American people that products that are coming into this country and products that are being produced in this country are safe and proper for their children, for their families. We can do it through this bill.”