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.

the corn ethanol scam is one of the longest-running robberies of American taxpayers in this country's history.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Opening Statement of: Hon. Tom Udall, a U.S. Senator from the State of New Mexico.

This Budget allows us to do that and it also enhances the VA's suicide prevention campaign, an increasingly important program.

Like many of you, I think it is about time that we start doing as much for our veterans as they have done for us.