Lisa Murkowski

There is a level of vulnerability that we have, the smarter that we get.

I think you're right, Senator Corker, we have recognized that, as part of a Comprehensive Energy Bill, we would be foolish not to include some aspect of cyber security into an energy piece.

This is a real problem.

We need that. It is important to complement our standards.

There is a level of vulnerability in our day-to-day lives that we could never have imagined a couple of decades ago.

I think it is important to note that we do have this on schedule for next Wednesday for potential markup, if all goes as planned.

I want to make sure that I clearly understand this discussion because I think it is very, very important.

But you currently have a total of 21 employees?

How do you think with a blue ribbon commission we will be able to keep the political emotion out of this debate?

I think we should look in particular, along with natural gas which, as you point out, we have got abundant supplies of natural gas in this country which could help to fuel our vehicles.

I do think it is an important issue, and I think it is one that is often overlooked.

When we are talking about alternative energy technologies, though, we recognize that we are very, very heavily reliant on minerals that are found overseas.

I certainly hope that you would agree with Secretary Chu's comments that nuclear must be part of our energy solution in this country and work toward that end.

Very important not only to my State but really to deliver this clean energy source that the country needs.

Finding a way to fix that problem is both necessary and really very practical.

I want my colleagues to understand that a great deal of care has been taken to balance the deployment of clean energy technologies.

I want to welcome the witnesses here this morning, and I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I think when we look at what is happening within the automobile industry right now and Government looking at taking equity interest, raises great concerns.

Your proposal is so important.

I think it is a pretty good bipartisan work product.

If we have got 85 that are outstanding that need to be resolved, it is one thing to go after the low-hanging fruit.

Can you tell me a little bit about the status of those funds? Why, what do you propose to be doing with them?

Which seems counterintuitive.

What would that mean to you in terms of your budget and your priorities if you were told you got about 8 percent increase over last year?

And in what areas would these additional 21 be?