Today we consider the nomination of Dr. Allison Macfarlane as Chairman of the NRC and the renomination of Kristine Svinicki to the NRC.

As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, I pledge to work with my colleagues to accomplish this goal.

Commissioner Svinicki combines an unshakable, unshakable demeanor, with proven technical and professional qualifications, and we support her nomination to a second term as NRC Commissioner.

Through her dedication and leadership, Commissioner Svinicki has demonstrated the right kind of approach to technical and legal issues before the agency that is critical to ensure the safe operation of our nation's nuclear energy industry.

We can disagree and not be disagreeable. We can disagree and be respectful.

We are great because we allow that debate.

Support for building more nuclear power plants fell to 42 percent from 61 percent that it was in 2008.

Will you work to ensure that the schedule is accelerated so safety improvements are implemented within 5 years?

So you believe that Fukushima was a nuclear disaster.

Can I ask if you would put something in writing about that for us?

You don't destroy people, as Senator Sanders said. And I also worry about that, that that is what was going on over there.

I have two more points. After the Three Mile Island accident, the NRC Chairman's duties were really changed, and they were strengthened...

the burden on the NRC should be taken seriously by every Commissioner. The safety of millions of people... rests on your shoulders.

I am impressed by the President's nominee, Dr. Macfarlane, who brings to this position the critical experience, the intelligence, scientific background, and integrity that we need so much at the NRC.

Do you agree to ensure the testimony, briefings, documents of electronic and other forms of communication of information are provided to this Committee and its staff and other appropriate committees in a timely manner?

I rise today to pay tribute to 27 servicemembers from California or based in California who have died while serving our country in Operation Enduring Freedom since March 1, 2012. This brings to 351 the number of servicemembers either from…

I am so proud to be here with these two amazing nominees, Mr. Orrick and Judge Tigar.

Bill considers service to the community to be a hallmark of his legal career.

I thank the Senator. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Franken). The Senator from Michigan.

I think it is important for people to understand what just occurred. We had a straight party-line vote on an issue that impacts every single woman in this country. I think when people say there is a difference between the parties--I like…

I want to say that I agree with my friend's comments about Senator Stabenow and Senator Roberts. I consider both my friends. They are terrific legislators. The Paycheck Fairness Act I do want to go back to the vote that just occurred. I…

We believe the Administration has all the tools necessary to prevent the EU ETS from implementing its unilateral scheme.

today I am proud to join my colleague Senator Snowe in once am introducing legislation to improve aviation safety. The Safe Skies Act we are introducing today will close a loophole in the Department of Transportation's recent rule on pilot…

I am going to tell you some real stories. A woman from California had an identical advanced degree as her husband. They both landed exact jobs but in different parts of the company--different worksites. The husband was offered $5,000 more…

I thank Senator Mikulski so much not only for yielding to me but for her extraordinary leadership in the Senate on so many issues of fairness and justice for women, for families, for children, and for our seniors. It is really a legendary…