Jay Rockefeller: “The weather-provoked tragedies and terrible loss of life just days ago make it clear that this hearing could not come at…”

Children and pediatricians owe tremendous thanks to you, Chairman Rockefeller, to Senator Hatch, Senator Wyden, Senator Roberts, and the other Senators who are here and have been here today, for your bipartisan leadership and working to…

Thank you very much.

I ask unanimous consent to speak in a seated position. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

I come today with a spirit of reflection and optimism about our future. I am also compelled towards an honest assessment of where we are as a body--of the promise of what we can achieve when we don't shy away from compromise and what we…