Michael Burgess

I thank the men and women of the Federal Trade Commission for all the work they have done over the years in protecting our privacy. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

But, make no mistake about it, we are getting our work done.

I think I have heard it said more than once today on the panel in front of us the words 'alleviate suffering'.

Let's continue to build upon these remarkable and bipartisan advancements that put patients first.

This is a good agreement that will build upon some recent successes.

More work lies ahead, but great strides have been made.

Thank you for your leadership. You have done great work.

It is vital that the Food and Drug Administration routinely incorporate the patient perspective in its decisionmaking process.

This is a good thing because it will get safe and effective products to doctors and to patients faster.

I want to thank the FDA and the industry and patient advocates and providers and other stakeholders for their work on this agreement.

Reauthorizing the Medical Device User Fee Agreements and the user fee programs we have previously discussed would increase efficiency at FDA.

I would be remiss not to mention the President's proposed budget which seeks to cut EPA by 31 percent.

This year will mark the fifth renewal by Congress, and it is widely agreed that the prescription drug user fee agreements will provide for the timely review of new drug and new biologic license applications.

Patients have the most at stake and they deserve to be heard.

Will the gentleman maintain his position for just a moment so perhaps we can engage in a brief colloquy?

Well, as the gentleman knows, he and I spent--what was it--27\1/2\ hours in a committee markup 2 weeks ago getting us to this point. So the gentleman from Texas thanks the gentleman from Georgia for his part and his participation. That was…

This should have been an ongoing exercise over the last decade, in my opinion.

I also want to take a minute to applaud my friend from Oregon, Rep. Schrader, and Rep. Bilirakis, for working together on pursuing additional ways to promote more generic competition.

Reauthorizing improved generic and biosimilar user fee programs will lead to timelier approvals and lower drug costs. It's that simple.

It is important. I am glad we are able to come together in a bipartisan fashion to make this happen.

For the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), the ranking member of the Rules Committee, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of…

I send to the desk a privileged concurrent resolution and ask for its immediate consideration. The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows: H. Con. Res. 23 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That the…

We must remain vigilant in ensuring government does not get in the way of the very innovation that can keep us safe.

When I was Chairman of the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee we dedicated a lot of time to self-driving cars and their ability to save lives.

If it was working perfectly, if it was working perfectly we wouldn't be here today.