Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I appreciate the opportunity to follow my friend and colleague Senator Wyden from Oregon, the chairman of the energy committee, to speak today about the confirmation of Dr. Ernest Moniz to be our Nation's Secretary of Energy. I think it is good when we are able to stand as the chairman and the ranking member and come to terms of agreement so far as support for an individual for a position such as Secretary of Energy. This is an important position within this administration. It is an important position just from the perspective of how we move forward in this country while we deal with our energy issues and our energy future, which I think is where we get relatively enthusiastic about this nomination. Again, I thank the chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, my friend from Oregon, for his leadership in advancing the nomination to the finish line. I also want to recognize and thank the members of our committee for their very thoughtful questions. When we had Dr. Moniz before the committee, it was perhaps one of the smoother confirmation hearings we have had in quite some time. I also thank the full Senate for working with us so we can fulfill our constitutional responsibility for advice and consent here today. Before I speak to Dr. Moniz's qualifications--and I do think Senator Wyden has addressed those very well--I wish to take a moment to discuss the agency he will soon lead. The Department of Energy was created back in 1977.…”