I am very pleased to chair this nomination hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations' Committee Subcommittee on African Affairs for Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.

I think the longer delays there are, the more that happens.

I fear that continued, sustained, and indiscriminate cuts to discretionary Federal spending could push us to a point of crisis.

the Federal courts' sequestration effects are having true implications for the people's right under the Constitution.

The sequester is slowing the pace, increasing the cost, and potentially eroding the quality of the delivery of justice in our country.

I leave this hearing today deeply concerned about how the sequester is impacting justice in the United States.

justice delayed is justice denied.

Federal Defenders will be bearing the brunt of the shortfall.

How we solve our budget challenges has real implications for how we also continue to deliver on our fundamental commitment to justice.

Congress' disappointing inability so far to responsibly replace the sequester and save the courts from these Draconian cuts is eroding our constitutional rights.

Broadly speaking, America's judiciary stands as a shining example of the genius of our founders.

the increasing delays and uncertainties of our Federal courts are having an economically deleterious effect upon U.S. businesses and individuals.

I believe is one of the most fundamental challenges facing the development and deployment of clean energy technology, which is access to reliable long-term financing.

I do think this is a simple but potentially very powerful idea that provides access to long-term financing.

For those keeping score at home, this is my second time appearing before this committee just in the last month.

Thank you, Chairman Wyden, and thank you, Ranking Member Murkowski. Thank you for your welcome.

It is a testament to the decisive and comprehensive actions taken by President Obama, Secretary Donovan and the members of the President's Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force.

the legacy of a remarkable Delaware leader who served in many respects as a role model for many of us in Congress not that long ago.