I applaud the Committee for holding this hearing today, and I want to give a special thanks to Representatives Jim Cooper and Marsha Blackburn, who have been leaders in advocating a pragmatic and bipartisan solution to the problem.

I believe their bill, H.R. 3210, is a good starting point toward making what I believe are necessary changes in an important federal law.

I have no disrespect for my friend and colleague from Georgia. There are different ways to approach this.

ILR applauds Representative Cooper for introducing the RELIEF Act, and Representative Broun for introducing the FOCUS Act.

NAHB commends Representative Cooper for his earnest and diligent efforts in proposing much needed reforms to the Lacey Act.

Congress is its own doctor. Neither the Supreme Court nor the President can save us.

I think that the public is so tired of our blame games, we are going to act.

No principle is more basic to American values than no work, no pay.

I am confident that in this election year, many of our colleagues will see that the real choice is between reform or defeat.

Unfortunately, too few of our colleagues are listening to that discontent, and too few are focusing on ways to fix the broken branch of government.

Thank you, Chairman Lieberman and Senator Collins. I appreciate your holding this hearing.