We have a moral obligation to [serve as stewards of this planet].

I like to say that in adversity lies opportunity.

Every State must do its fair share to safeguard our climate and their neighbors. That's why we have the EPA.

Senator Lamar Alexander and I worked together for a number of years on Clear Skies legislation.

We have a moral obligation to do so.

It's hard to imagine a more damning statement and from one who served, not that long ago, in the position of trust, Mr. Pruitt, to which you have been nominated.

Families and business owners face the stark realities of climate change every single day. Tackling that challenge is not just the right thing to do or what is best for Delaware's economy. It's a matter of survival.

The EPA, under the leadership of a qualified and responsible Administrator, is a vital tool that must be used to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the communities where our families live. It is truly a sacred trust.

Today, the citizens of Flint still lack clean drinking water, and the new generation there which has been exposed to high levels of lead faces an uncertain future.

I am not the Attorney General of Delaware, never had any intention to be, but if 17 of our counties in Delaware--we only have 3--if 17 of them or all 3 of them got Fs, I promise you, I would do something about it.

the Corps, the DOJ, and the EPA have gone beyond what we consider to be reasonable application of the law.

I would just ask that you think back on our earlier conversation, and you see your way clear to have one more round.

EPA is required to regulate mercury because EPA determined that mercury emissions from power plants pose an otherwise unaddressed significant risk to health and the environment and because controls options to reduce this risk are available.

Back home the reality that our climate is changing is not up for grabs or up for debate.

The EPA is required to use sound science to protect both our environment and our public health.

Today the citizens of Flint still lack clean drinking water, and a new generation there, which has been exposed to high levels of lead, faces an uncertain future.

On behalf of the people-- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Debate is not allowed during a vote. The Senate will be in order.

I come to the floor with a lot of other folks to talk about the health care in this country. I think one of the goals we all share--and maybe we are not sure how to get there--is how to make sure that everybody who needs access to health…

the letter that I sent on January 11th was not just to the EPA. It was to the head of the EPA and also the Assistant Secretary at the Army.

Jeh, with the help of his leadership team, this Committee, and Congress, has begun... a remarkable transformation of the Department.

Colombia is not a perfect nation, but it is a much different nation, and a strong partner of ours.

General John Kelly is an exceptionally well qualified nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

I describe Plan Colombia and also the Alliance for Prosperity, which was developed by Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, I call it 'The Home Depot' plan.

When I was in the Navy, I was stationed for a while in San Diego and would venture down into Mexico.

I commend the President-elect for nominating General Kelly for this position because, as I know firsthand, John is a straight-talking, candid, courageous leader who will say exactly what he thinks.