Farr Opening Statement at Hearing on FY13 Budget for the Food & Drug Administration

"In a time that the role of government, the size of government and the very function of government if being questioned at unprecedented levels, I believe that it is important that we also analyze the vital role government plays to help improve our lives and increase safety and access to quality medication."

February 29th, 2012

Agriculture Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Sam Farr

"Thank you Chairman Kingston.

"I want to thank, FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg, FDA Assistant Commissioner Patrick McGarey and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget, Norris Cochran.

"I want to thank you for being here, and for the work you do—and your staff—to safeguard our nation's food supply and regulate the medication in the marketplace.

"In a time that the role of government, the size of government and the very function of government if being questioned at unprecedented levels, I believe that it is important that we also analyze the vital role government plays to help improve our lives and increase safety and access to quality medication.

"The Federal Drug Administration is at the core of that effort.

"On any single day, the FDA is working to assure that the drugs that reach our drugstores, our physicians and ultimately our body are safe and effective.

"The FDA is working to assure that medical devices that can save lives reach those that need them.

"And the FDA is playing a critical role in safeguarding our nation's food supply.

"The bottom line is that the work of the FDA has the potential to affect the lives of every American.

"We all understand that we have a responsibility to get our fiscal house in order.

"We all understand that every department must be scrutinized and questioned.

"But we also all understand that sometimes there are consequences to those cuts.

"Therefore, we have a core responsibility to truly understand the value of a resource, before we put a price to it.

"This agency carries a heavy responsibility to assure it protects and safeguards the things that go into our body.

"And approving the medications and devices that can save lives.

"That means that we also have a responsibility to assure the FDA can meet its obligations.

"Thank you for being here, and I look forward to your testimony."

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