I too want to thank all of you for coming up today. I appreciate it. Never have I been party to such a balanced conversation about an issue with the four witnesses who are present.
I take issue, modestly, with the idea that we shouldn't have conversations around this table because people out there get nervous. All of us have children and want to avoid certain conversations with them at times, but you still have to have the chat.
The purpose of this really is to demystify the industry. I'll tell you, I'm a new member to the agriculture committee--in the last two years. I'm a new MP. I've never had a chat about GMOs, and I've learned a lot because of Alex's bill. I appreciate the fact that he has brought it forward, at least so we can demystify what's going on here.
Paul, you made a comment. You said that the argument that it will drive up research costs is groundless because of recent developments. I am concerned about that, because frankly--well, I won't mention the names--I don't want the bigger ones to be taking over either. I want the smaller ones to be able to be innovative and get involved in this and compete.
Can you tell us in thirty seconds why it's groundless? Then I'd like Mr. Keller or Mr. Phillips to respond, because that's a new development for me.