We cannot allow the potentially protracted pursuit of claims to prevent us from swift action to help those harmed by this spill.

I am confident that the new Government is going to recognize that it is in the interests of all the coalition partners to help President Karzai succeed.

The Honorable Vice Admiral Regina M. Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A., Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services

I recognize the courage and determination of the Afghan people to resist violent extremists.

We face a determined and ruthless enemy, but we go forward with confidence because we have something that our adversaries do not.

It will strengthen our national security by beginning to break our dependence on foreign oil.

The Honorable Kerri-Ann Jones, Ph.D., Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs and Special Representative on Avian and Pandemic Influenza, Department of State

The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, to be Chief Delegate

We will do everything in our power to support those who are affected by the spill, protect our natural resources, demand reimbursement from the responsible parties for costs incurred.

This legislation will put America on the path to a clean energy economy that will create American jobs building the solar panels, wind blades, and the car batteries of the future.

I applaud Senators John Kerry and Joe Lieberman for their tireless work in drafting this important legislation.

BP will be paying for all costs of stopping the spill and cleaning it up.

Now is the time for America to take control of our energy future and jump-start American innovation in clean energy technology.

Our obligation is to deal with the spill, clean it up and make sure the impact of that spill are compensated.

Mary Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N., Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration, Department of Health and Human Services

I have urged Members of the Senate to fight the efforts of special interests and their lobbyists to weaken consumer protections.

The Honorable RADM Nicole Lurie, M.D., Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, United States Public Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services

Sustaining long-term support for Afghanistan is vital.