everywhere we look. And we can no longer afford incorrect diagnoses, nor can we afford wrong remedies. So, as I said earlier, if there is any way the Academy—realizing it is beyond the realm of science and technology alone—can address ways and means to forge a new environmental consensus, it would be extraordinarily helpful.

Congress also has to get its act together to properly address long-term problems, such as the environment. In spite of the downsizing of the House, which cut several committees and staff by one-third, there is still an enormously complex and laborious system in place, with something like 21 committees in both the House and the Senate, four joint committees, and some 187 subcommittees. It's very easy to get bogged down, particularly in environmental issues where jurisdictions are spread across a number of committees and subcommittees in the House and Senate.

At this point, I think I'll bring my remarks to a close and turn the floor over to my colleague from the Senate, Dave Garman. I look forward to participating in the remainder of this forum and continuing dialogue on this important topic.