I thank the gentleman from Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Mr. Cao's resolution, honoring the Super Bowl champion, the New Orleans Saints. You know, I remember as a child watching the Saints play in the old Tulane…

Mr. Speaker, as a proud graduate of Louisiana State University and LSU Medical School, I am honored to stand before the House today to thank my colleagues for commemorating LSU's 150th anniversary. Since its first session in 1860, LSU has…

Madam Speaker, last July I was humbled and honored to introduce House Resolution 699, expressing the appreciation of Congress for the service and sacrifice of the members of the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard. Since World…

What could we do, usefully, to push that a lot higher, do you think?

Mr. Podonsky and Mr. Aloise, are the salaries and benefits of the protective force competitive?

Mr. Podonsky, what is the anticipated timeline for implementing those recommendations the Department has already agreed to apply?

Mr. Podonsky and Mr. Aloise, I understand that if a federalization model were pursued the current forces would risk a loss in pay and perhaps their jobs as they would be required to recompete for the same job under a federalized structure.

Mr. Podonsky and Mr. Aloise, is the secure transport force subjected to a higher level of training than the protective force?

Mr. Podonsky and Mr. Aloise, how do attrition rates for the protective forces compare to similar positions in the private sector?

Mr. Podonsky and Mr. Aloise, in the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report you assert that a Federal force offers no overall advantage to the current model and that either option could result in effective and more uniform security…

Mr. Podonsky, does the DOE intend to pursue the implementation of all 29 recommendations cited in the June 2009 report on Enhanced Career Longevity and Retirement Options for DOE protective forces personnel?

Mr. Podonsky and Mr. Aloise, is the Department having any difficulty in the recruitment or quality of the protective force?

I look forward to working with you to strengthen our ability to counter all threats, including potential terrorist threats to our defensive nuclear capabilities.

Maybe I'm missing something, Mr. Podonsky. Is that not within the power of the Department, to clearly, forcefully move in that direction?

I will submit my opening statement for the record.

the lack of clear, uniform, and realistic guidance and policy from DOE to the various contractors who manage the protective forces that is at the root of the problems.

Mr. Podonsky and Mr. Aloise, does the notion that the secure transport force has to transport nuclear materials across State lines and in an inherently mobile fashion constitute any rationale for requiring that they have full Federal…

Mr. Podonsky, has the Department fully estimated the cost implications of doing so, and if so, what is the estimated unbudgeted cost, and if not, when will you be able to provide those costs to Congress?