we deserve a president of the United States who doesn't make Homeland Security a photo opportunity and the rhetoric of a campaign. We deserve a president who makes America safer.

We deserve a president of the United States who doesn't make homeland security a photo opportunity and the rhetoric of a campaign. We deserve a president who makes American safer.

And in the event of emergency my hair can be used as a flotation device.

He didn't mention Rumsfeld once. As you know, General Shinseki said there should be several hundred thousand troops there.

The president is moving toward Kerry's position. Kerry said months and months ago that we should internationalize this coalition and get NATO in there.

He has not taken responsibility.

Other nations have a vital interest in the outcome and they must be brought to that interest and brought to that outcome.

We are looking at this and many other options very seriously because we won't fight with one hand behind our back.

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

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.

I do not think that waiting is an option.

Yes, he is the best.

I sit here today as one who believes that it is important that we continue to maintain and strengthen going forward our reliance on nuclear energy as part of, not all of, but part of our energy needs in this country.

Would you not agree that the unique setting, and certainly the public concern about Indian Point argue for continued NRC oversight at the highest possible levels?

I am concerned, as the Commissioners know, about the overall safety of these aging plants and, in particular, the situation at Indian Point.

I appreciate your statement with respect to Davis-Besse. I would like to associate myself with the concerns in this GAO report.