Governing is about setting priorities, and given our fiscal constraints, especially on non-defense spending, we are going to have to make some tough decisions this year to make sure the highest priorities are funded.

The government's failure to follow the law not only imperils the future of nuclear power in our country, but it also results in wasting billions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars to settle lawsuits by utilities, who are stuck with the used…

I very much appreciate the fact, Dr. Cook, that you're looking at it.

Thanks very much. I wanted to ask about the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility.

As Senator Feinstein noted in her opening match for marks, it's showing an increase.

the only coalition strike option in the fight against ISIL militants, for 54 days executing 20 to 30 sorties each day.

The Federal Government is responsible for disposing of that. It has failed in its responsibility even though the rate payers have deposited billions to pay for it.

Well, in one case I think there was a small--very small radioactive leak. This is why I am concerned about the underground SMRs.

If we have learned anything it is that these facilities have to have the approval of their community and their State.

Do you evaluate a potential terrorist attack on the facility?

Thanks very much. I hope to cover two subjects in my 5 minutes.

After years of delay, Yucca Mountain can and should be part of the solution to our nuclear waste stalemate.

I wanted to spend a few minutes on the National Ignition Facility at Livermore.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

I plan to work with our Republican majority, and I hope the President and Senate Democrats who share the same concerns, to make the tough choices so we can pass a real plan to fix the long-term debt.

Well, it sounds to me like we have spent a billion--$1.22 billion just now in getting ready to get a project put together.

We also introduced bipartisan legislation yesterday with Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Maria Cantwell to create both temporary and permanent storage sites for nuclear waste.

I really believe we are a good working team. Where we disagree, we work it out.