Thomas Daschle: “I think the Senator would be wise to do so. I think, again, it confirms that there is a lack of clarification, there is…”

“I think the Senator would be wise to do so. I think, again, it confirms that there is a lack of clarification, there is uncertainty, enough so that the Secretary has seen fit to send a letter to express his concerns. I hope that we can clarify this issue and alter the provisions of the bill in whatever ways may be necessary. I do not think we ought to minimize those concerns or the problems of the Secretary with regard to the issue before us right now. Food safety is one of our greatest concerns, and we have to ensure that we do not undermine the confidence of the American people in our food supply as we address the need for regulatory reform. That is all we are trying to do--ensure that we accomplish regulatory reform in a meaningful way, a comprehensive way, but do it in a way that does not encumber the Secretary's efforts to provide a better system of ensuring food safety than we have right now. I yield the floor.”