Mark Udall

Homes and other buildings are prime targets for improving efficiency--they account for 70 percent of our electricity use.

Energy efficiency improvements can provide a combination of direct consumer benefits that will persist for many years.

Today's hearing will help us explore what else the federal government can do to promote energy efficiency in buildings.

Addressing our energy needs in a responsible and sustainable way is necessary for our national security, our economy and our environment.

Due to these financial constraints, they are faced with tough choices, such as delaying retirement.

I look forward to bridging the divide and working with the members of the Committee on both sides of the aisle to address policies that will improve the lives of older Americans.

The volatility and uncertainty of these distressed economic times have left people fearful of losing their jobs, their homes and their life savings.

We must work together to find solutions that will benefit our aging population.

An RES will spur economic development in the form of billions of dollars in new capital investment and in new property tax revenues for local communities.

The best way to decrease our vulnerability and dependence on foreign energy sources is to diversify our energy portfolio.

I think that the votes are present in the Senate to pass a renewable electricity standard.

Not only has that meant cleaner energy for Coloradans, but also more jobs.

Establishing a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) is something that I've been working on my entire career in public service.

An RES is important for so many reasons. As demand for energy continues to grow in this country, we need to make sure that we continue to have affordable and reliable supplies.

15 deployed Active component brigades are required to stay at 12-month deployments.

I commend you for your willingness to wade into procurement reform and count on me as an ally.

But the same policy also prevents them from ever obtaining a Federal job, and waivers to the policy are permitted.

Our military leaders must work to change the culture.

I wanted to just let you know that's a concern of mine and it'll continue to be a concern of mine as we move forward.

We can't pass laws to eliminate it. I wish we could some days.

I'm sure you're aware that gays and lesbians are already serving in our Armed Forces.

They are sobering. They are concerning. They are horrifying, and they also point to the mission we have been discussing here today, which is how do we take care of our soldiers when they return from theater.

I believe Don't Ask/Don't Tell is a failed policy. It is a good example of a law that Congress should repeal.

In this fiscally constrained environment, I believe you will need to look for new and innovative ways to acquire capability for our Armed Forces.

Those are 21st century water concepts and you'll be a 21st century Secretary of the Interior. It's great to see you.