The rapid progress to date of national energy legislation through the Congress reflects the determination on the part of both the Congress and this administration to end the years of delay in dealing with our energy problems.

This new Department is the first major result of our efforts to reorganize the Federal bureaucracy to serve the American people more efficiently.

The Department of Energy will be in operation less than 2 months after I signed the enabling legislation.

The creation of a Department of Energy is an important step toward dealing with our energy problems.

Creation of the Department of Energy will give a clear direction and focus to America's energy future by providing the framework for carrying out a comprehensive, balanced national energy policy.

We will never do that without a clear will in Government and among our people to end waste, to use energy more efficiently, and to look for practical new sources of energy.

I remain optimistic that a sound, workable energy policy for the United States will be a reality before this Congress goes home this year.

I've just signed an Executive order that will activate the new Department of Energy on October 1.

October 1, 1977, as the effective date of that Act

We should not permit our disappointment at the manner in which this worthwhile program has been administered in the past to diminish our desire to make it work.

I fully endorse the efforts underway to revamp and improve the SBA Section 8(a) program.

Building strong minority business enterprises is in the national interest because they contribute to our efforts to reduce unemployment and to stimulate community development.

I believe that we should improve and strengthen existing programs rather than make wholesale changes at this time.

David H. Popper has been accorded the personal rank of Ambassador while serving as deputy to Ambassador at Large Ellsworth Bunker for Panama Canal Treaty Affairs.

Economic growth is good.

Brendan Byrne was given practically no chance to win the Democratic primary.

You've got a man in the Governor's office of great courage, of sound judgment, and one that's completely honest.

I believe that it's important to you as a State that does have economic problems, a State that does have a new lease on life.