we are working with the administration to get a funding level of $6.5 billion for fiscal year 2010

I think that is so important. We have to understand that this is having a huge impact.

I am extremely concerned about some of our countries in Central and Eastern Europe who are seeing increasing financial instability.

I am delighted that you are going to be leading us as we head into a very important healthcare discussion and, hopefully, move legislation this year.

I have been holding a number of hearings in my State to talk about the lack of healthcare providers that are out there, and there is a direct correlation with cost.

I appreciate a budget that comes to us that addresses that, and at the same time says we have got to get our arms around some very critical issues--energy, health care, education--in order to make sure that we have a strong economy in the…

the American people have sort of lost faith in the leaders of our financial institutions, and they are skeptical that the Government has used taxpayer money wisely so far.

I especially want to extend a welcome to Valerie O'Meara. She has traveled here across the country to testify in front of us today as a nurse practitioner from the Seattle VA Center.

As I have said many times, Mr. Chairman, our VA staff are some of the most caring and compassionate people I know.

That's why science has to rule at the FDA. And with this decision on Plan B, they have now said politics trumps science.

Many of us have encouraged the administration to increase those programs.