In the United States we have 104 nuclear power plants in 31 states, which generate approximately a fifth of our Nation's total electric consumption.

Let me begin by saying my thoughts and prayers go out to all citizens of Japan, especially to the families of the thousands of disaster victims.

We have 104 nuclear power plants. I said earlier that I thought the first one was built about 50 years ago.

In adversity lies opportunity.

We cannot reach a clean energy future without natural gas and without nuclear power.

Tom Carper and I have called on the NRC to conduct a comprehensive review of all nuclear facilities in the United States.

I think I asked this question of Chairman Jaczko the last time he was here and I think he said, to the best of his knowledge, no one has died of radiation poisoning or sickness.

I think the Commission, when you are re-licensing, have to look at this as if it is a new opportunity.

Thank you so much for being here and for testifying today.

But nothing, nothing is more important than the health of our children and risking their health is an unacceptable price under any condition.

I cannot imagine a future for the United States that does not include nuclear power to create electricity.