Our Nation has abundant energy resources, a good portion of which are found on our onshore public lands and in the Outer Continental Shelf.

Decisions that may prove essential to our Nation's energy security and economic well being.

Secretary Salazar has important decisions to make.

I hope Secretary Salazar can share with us his vision of how we can determine the best places for energy development.

we need to overhaul the existing energy infrastructure on which we all depend.

Their management is entrusted to the Federal Government.

But I do think that to me the energy question is national security.

I think that's good. I would just say to you that when the delays don't seem to have an end it causes a lot of nerve wracking.

If Congress is truly serious about energy policy, it will kill this special-interest boondoggle immediately and apologize to the American people for the harm it has caused.

Investment in the transmission grid will stimulate economic development, reduce electricity costs for consumers, and improve grid reliability.

I want to make sure you have the last word. But I would add to your list of important uses of the Antiquities Act two additional national parks that were designated national parks after initially being designated national monuments.

The Antiquities Act has been used to great effect, by and large and very appropriate ways as Senator Bingaman just pointed out with the recent actions of President Bush.

We've got to balance out the needs of the country with the needs and points of views of local and regional interests.

I think there are many of us in the West who are intrigued with the oil shale potential.

Senator Bingaman, your leadership here is surely welcomed and we thank you for that.

Thank you very much for holding this hearing. These witnesses have been very, very helpful.

They need not only the health care they are entitled to, but we need to provide them with access to higher education, job training, and offer the resources to help them successfully reintegrate with their families and their communities.

This budget will help us eliminate the shameful backlog of 400,000 veterans benefits claims and finally get those veterans the services and support they deserve.