Political Quotes

“The letter does make it clear that Congress should not expect to hear anything substantive from the new Secretary of Energy on this matter until the end of the year, well after the election. This concerns me, as a signal that the Administration plans to continue to hold nuclear waste hostage for political posturing, while the physical and economic health of American citizens is held in abeyance. However, the President also assures me of his faith in Ambassador Richardson's ability to deal with this complex matter in a competent, straight-forward professional manner. I have faith in his ability, as well, as long as he is given the authority to exercise it. As I now have a promise that he will have such authority, I will take this commitment in good faith, the spirit in which I have conducted this entire process, and will expect no less from President and Ambassador Richardson. Therefore, I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting the confirmation of Ambassador Richardson to be Secretary of Energy.”