"I strongly believe that the creation of good-paying, green collar jobs is critical to both our economic and energy security."
"Today, unemployment is rising. Incomes are stagnating--while at the same time the cost of health care, housing, education, and even groceries are skyrocketing."
"You have long dedicated yourself to ensuring the rights of workers in California and across the country, and I look forward to working with you at the helm of the Labor Department."
"I look forward to working with you to restore OSHA to its mission of protecting all American workers."
"Thank you, Congresswoman Solis, for the time you will take today to answer our questions and discuss the vital work that goes on at the Department of Labor."
"I think it's, from my perspective, perhaps the very best appointment that President-elect Obama has made."
"I have grown deeply concerned about the direction the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has taken."
"I believe most Americans perceive that, for the last 8 years, we've had a government that has stood with the wealthy and the powerful and ignored the needs of working families."
"As important, is the critical need to restore the Department to one whose decisions are based on the best available science, not the political ideology of the moment."
"The knowledge, temperament, passion and expertise you possess will be instrumental in achieving comprehensive health care reform."
"I can think of no better leader to tackle these important challenges than you, Senator Daschle."