I have heard Senator Reid say that this is probably the most complex land bill he has ever seen.

It takes care of the very difficult problems we have dealing with wilderness, which is so contentious on a lot of occasions.

I will say this to everyone here assembled. Senator Smith/Senator Wyden really did set a good example for Senator Ensign and I.

without compromise we might as well not even have a Bill.

This bill is very important, and it does something I think could be a model for what goes on around the country.

I really appreciate very much you and Senator Wyden and others arranging this hearing.

It's a very good bill, because Senator Ensign and I are both unhappy with the situation and I think that's a good sign that the bill is good.

Congress has the sole authority to designate lands to be managed as wilderness and the Nevada Congressional delegation has shown on more than one occasion that sometimes controversial issues can be resolved in a collaborative bipartisan…

This is a bill that Senator Ensign and the entire congressional delegation from Nevada believes is a win for both Lincoln and Clark Counties.

The NRC cannot perform these critical functions properly, though, when it is not operating with its full compliment of five Commissioners.

I think you have one of the most responsible jobs we have in our entire Government.

I have pledged to work against the committee completing other business here on the floor until this nominee gets a markup.

Yes, he is the best.

I believe not having a hearing is abdication of this committee's duty.

I do not think that waiting is an option.

I think this is short-sighted in the long term.

I'm far more interested in an aggressive R&D budget that benefits the Nation as a whole than I am in a long, slow, drawn-out transition.

I believe more should be done to protect against nuclear proliferation.