"I want to thank Congresswoman Markey for deferring, and I want to thank the Chairman for holding this important hearing."
"Today's announcement is very disappointing in that it does little to help our farmers and farm workers in the next six to twenty-four months, should we continue to experience ongoing dry circumstances..."
"Prepared statement of.................................... 6"
"It is tragically ironic that we continue to use tanker spills as an excuse not to allow OCS development..."
"To deny the American people these energy resources is simply illogical, shortsighted and wrong."
"I believe it is a false choice to argue that you cannot have beautiful beaches and environmentally safe offshore energy development."
"I think it is productive and a good use of our time for both Subcommittees to hold this hearing together on this topic."
"I simply don't believe that is a way in which you can have an honest debate and discussion of a public policy issue of this importance."
"Frankly, obviously cooperation, instead of shouting slogans at one another, is what we have to do if we are going to craft solutions that focus on one of our nation's most pressing problems."
"I am a supporter of expanding the oil and gas production, both on and offshore."
"I think we need to take a careful comprehensive approach to the risk assessment versus the risk management."
"We look forward to the testimony, and seeing how we can put together, by the full committee, a comprehensive energy policy."