Bob Goodlatte

We are with you on that, too.

I am kind of sending the shot over the bow that it is really time, after 6 or 8 years, for the industries to get together and sit down and work out their differences on these issues so that we can move patent reform forward.

Politics is the art of the possible.

I thank the gentleman for his comments, and I take them very much to heart as has our leadership. In fact, in recognition of the gentleman's concern, I mentioned in my comments that only two Members would be recognized out of order to read…

We have consulted with the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress actually maintains a copy of the Constitution which includes those sections that have been superseded by amendment.

I rise in strong opposition to this legislation. This bill has been around for a long time for good reason. It is a bad bill, having been around for a long time, for this entire Congress, for 2 years, no hearing in the Judiciary Committee…

But if the government is out there borrowing $1.3 trillion, $1.5 trillion, $900 billion, and then $800 billion-plus every year thereafter as far as the eye can see, what is that going to do to the amount of capital that is available in the…

Obviously, we are pleased that he would want to stop the dramatic trajectory upward in spending that we have seen from this Congress in each of the last 3 years since they have been in the majority. But is that enough? Is that going to…

I thank the gentleman for his comments about House Joint Resolution Number 1. It is, by the way, the same balanced budget amendment that passed the House as a part of the Contract with America, missed by one vote in the Senate. Same…

If the gentleman will yield, that is very similar to the fact over the weekend three different representatives of the administration got on television and claimed that the stimulus--which we've seen has not resulted in job creation but…

What would you say in your mind about the ability of Judge Porteous to sit as a judge in any case whatsoever?

Do you know if Judge Porteous received such benefits?

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for continuing this series of hearings.

However, the expanded RFS creates an unrealistic mandate for conventional corn ethanol by prohibiting the use of biomass from new crop acres.

The Federal Government has played a big part in the early development of renewable fuels by creating an expanded Renewable Fuels Standard along with tax credits for ethanol, biodiesel and now advanced biofuels.

The farm bill also created new conservation programs that are aimed at enhancing cooperation and flexibility among producers and conservation organizations.

Congress strengthened its commitment to conservation in the 2008 Farm Bill.

Our farmers and ranchers, through the assistance and incentives provided by these programs, have voluntarily worked to help reduce soil erosion, increase wetlands, improve water quality, and preserve farmland and wildlife habitat.

The contribution of publicly supported agricultural research to advance food production and productivity is well documented.

It has been estimated that around the globe, the Green Revolution has saved over a billion lives from starvation and countless millions more from the ravages of disease and sickness due to malnutrition.

Many factors have contributed to the unparalleled success of American agriculture, the favorable soils and climate, hard work and dedication of farm families, free enterprise, transportation and communication.

I agree with the gentleman from North Carolina, Mr. Watt, that most of the questions we have here today need to be addressed.

It is unfortunate that the legislation passed out by the Energy and Commerce Committee, H.R. 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009, does so little to enhance food safety.

I very much appreciate that this Committee is continuing to devote its attention to such an important issue as the safety of our food supply.