50 



- 10- 



program itself should be held up waiting for the legislative 



process to play out. 



It is critical that FDA's proposal be published soon, so 

 that all of us -- Congress, the industry, and consumers -- 

 will have a chance to evaluate it and respond to it. The 

 sooner that is done, the sooner we will have in place a 

 sounder, stronger, and more effective seafood safety 

 program. The sooner, the better. 



Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you again for the 

 invitation to this hearing. This is an important issue, and I 

 look forward to working with you and Chairman Studds on 

 it. 



