"Although not binding to the Federal Select Agent Program, these requirements have been found by the GAO to serve as leading practices for individual programs."
"Both CDC and APHIS have performance measures for their activities and select programs. Isn't that correct?"
"Are their performance measures the same?"
"Is there any overlap of the performance measures each agency uses?"
"How about collectivity? Does the Federal Select Agent Program have performance measures to track its progress?"
"Dr. Edwin, the GAO found that the Federal Select Agent Program does not have a joint strategic plan."
"But you didn't take that action before you got the GAO report."
"OK, will you let the committee know when that has happened?"
"Isn't it true that the CDC signed a memorandum of understanding to avoid the conflict after the press and this committee raised concerns about CDC inspecting itself?"
"And now that you have had time to research it and think about it, are you in a position today to explain the 3-year delay?"
"I appreciate that because the concern has a little bit different look to it and all of a sudden, we have accidently created something even worse than the original."
"Well, that concludes this hearing. It was, hopefully, not too painful but we do want to make sure we keep the American public protected and we appreciate the work of the GAO in helping us with that an..."