We also had testimony on MSIS audits that they do not include provider identification. These audits are worthless if you cannot source data to the provider, because that is where it starts.

I take the leader at his word. I will go back to my caucus and explain that I object to this group of bills, but I would also note we did get two amendments out of the way. The one amendment on sugar that had the potential to pass wasn't…

I wonder if I might ask the leader a question through the Chair. It would seem to me the process we are planning now is that the leader is deciding what amendments we will vote on and what we will not. I wonder if he would be open to the…

It is not about second-guessing. It is about holding people responsible.

Well, I think that tells us one problem: No accountability, no responsibility, no consequence for failure.

I wish to comment very clearly on what this amendment does. Farm and agricultural production in this country is vital both to the country and to our export markets. We have through the years tried many different approaches to make sure we…

I just want to have it noted for the record that I would have voted no on this nominee had we had a recorded vote. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Indiana.

I will speak in conjunction with the majority whip for a short period of time. I don't have a long speech.

members of Congress are debating fewer bills, casting fewer votes, and holding fewer hearings. Meanwhile, important government agencies including the Department of Defense and the Government Accountability Office are being targeted by…

My answer to the chairman through the Chair is that the FDA does nothing quickly now, and he knows that because he has been sitting in oversight over them for years. That is No. 1. The answer to No. 2 is, if the Senator reads the GAO…

It is my understanding that the time is under our control. At present, there is 10 minutes left.

I ask unanimous consent that the pending amendment be set aside and that Coburn amendment No. 2131 be called up.

this is an amendment that comes out of a study of GAO's findings, and GAO did a wonderful job looking at the FDA. What we found out--part of it will be covered if, in fact, we do this other study on the management, but what GAO is telling…

I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be dispensed with. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To require an independent assessment of the Food and Drug…

let me say how proud I am of all of the members of the HELP Committee on this difficult and complicated issue they are bringing before us. Having been in business and under the control of the FDA as a medical device manufacturer, this is a…

I ask that that amendment be set aside, and I call up amendment No. 2132, which is at the desk, and ask that it be reported. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator from…

I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the amendment be waived. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The amendment is as follows: (Purpose: To provide that a portion of the performance awards of each employee of…

I will be happy to yield to the ranking member. If he has people who wish to speak in opposition, that is fine.

I ask unanimous consent that the pending amendment be set aside, and I call up amendment No. 2131, which is at the desk, and ask that it be reported. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The assistant legislative…

I object. I will hold my comments until after the majority leader finishes his talk, so I can explain my position.

I would respond to the majority leader through the Chair and say I will help him in any way I could with my side of the aisle to make sure we have cogent amendments to this bill and also agree to a limited number of them, since it is…

Well, let me, first of all, I thank my colleague. I have a couple of charts that are oversized. The reason they are oversized is because we cannot get it all on one chart. I would ask unanimous consent to display those charts. The ACTING…

What most people do not realize is the Federal Government is now twice the size it was in 2001. Think about that. We are spending twice as much money as we did in 2001. As a matter of fact, if we go back 15 years, our deficit this year is…

We have had 14 short-term extensions to the National Flood Insurance Program. That is over the past 4\1/2\, 5 years. There is a bill set to be brought to the floor. Yet we are going to have a short-term extension again. This program is not…

If the Senator from New Jersey will give me a courtesy of 5 minutes to speak as in morning business and I will be through. I appreciate what the majority leader has said. I will work my side of the aisle, to see if the possibility of…