H.R. 4299, which seeks to improve the transparency and consistency of DEA's scheduling of new FDA-approved drugs.

Such a solution does not force the DEA to make a particular decision but will provide transparency to the process so companies can better plan when regulatory decisions will be made.

Today's legislative hearing focuses on three bills designed to improve the predictability and transparency in Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation.

H.R. 4069, the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, introduced by Reps. Marino and Blackburn, will facilitate greater collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulators in an effort to combat our Nation's…

These bills touch on very important issues for this committee and they offer an excellent starting point for finding solutions.

Could you please summarize, Doctor----

I yield back the balance of my time and, at this point, recognize the ranking member, Mr. Pallone, 5 minutes for an opening statement.

This lack of predictability in the timing of DEA's scheduling decisions leads to unnecessary uncertainty in the drug development process.

I would like to thank all of our witnesses for being here today, and I look forward to having a constructive discussion on these legislative proposals.

It now takes, on average, well over a billion dollars and 14 years from the time a drug is discovered to the time of approval.

This provision will get products to the market faster because innovators will be able to get clinical trials underway in a timely and predictable way.

I am pleased with Dr. Murphy's bill. It includes a provision to extend the liability for doctors who volunteer in behavioral health clinics.

I would like to commend my colleague from Pennsylvania, Dr. Murphy, for his yearlong investigation into mental health issues.

the continued hiding behind HIPAA has got to stop.

Millions of Americans suffer with severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression.

Congress is aware of your plight and we can do better.

This has been a very important hearing, very compelling testimony, very informative.

For far too long, those who need help have been getting it the least, and where there is no help, there is no hope.

I am very pleased to ask all Members to support S. 1557, very important legislation with bipartisan support, and I yield back the balance of my time.

I am glad that, today, we will pass a bill that will help keep American children healthy. Today, the House considers S. 1557, the Children's Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act of 2013. This is companion legislation to my own bill…

FDA has admitted that the proposed changes will open generic manufacturers up to greater liability under state tort lawsuits.

One of the great successes in healthcare in the past 30 years has been the introduction and widespread use of generic drugs, saving patients and taxpayers trillions of dollars.

The chair thanks the gentleman and now recognizes the gentleman from Florida, Mr. Bilirakis, 5 minutes for questions.

Without objection, so ordered.

The only outcome I see if the rule is enacted is mass confusion.