Tom Carper

The years of collective efforts, bipartisan efforts here in the Legislative Branch and works of a couple of Administrations--the Bush Administration, the Obama Administration--and a bunch of other folks are beginning to bear some fruit.

In order to address the burden that this debt places on our country, I think we need a new kind of culture here in Washington, DC.

I do not think we have had a debt situation like this since World War II. It was not sustainable then, and we know it is not sustainable now.

The Federal Government can lead by example by embracing new clean energy technologies.

As we say in the Navy, Bravo Zulu, go get 'em.

I have a question for the record. I am going to ask a question about something called Bloom Boxes.

I believe this legislation will help the Federal Government lead by example and demonstrate to the American people that energy efficiency efforts are a gateway to job growth and can pay real dividends in saving both money and our…

Our country's dependence on fossil fuels exacts a huge cost on our economy.

One of my top priorities this year, which I share with President Obama and many of our colleagues, is to continue to support initiatives that spur job growth, initiatives that help create what I call a nurturing environment where…

A question, if I could, for Mr. Hicks.

We reduced our petroleum consumption last year by 8 percent in 1 year, and we are on track to meet or exceed all Federal mandates for petroleum reduction, alternative fuel use, and alternate vehicle use.

The Federal Government can help level the playing field between fossil fuels and clean energy and be a catalyst for the creation and use of clean energy technologies.

I would appreciate maybe when I ask my questions, if I could use a couple minutes before I ask questions to do that.

Based on conversations we have had with industry, I believe the Department of Defense's participation in procuring offshore wind power could help launch the industry at scale in the U.S.

The Department of Defense is the largest consumer of energy in America and I believe in the entire world with a fuel bill for petroleum alone of over $17 billion in 2011.

A climate change could have significant geopolitical impacts around the world contributing to poverty, environmental degradation, and the further weakening of fragile governments.

For the military solar is about reducing risks to our troops. It is about saving lives.

However, I am concerned that President Obama's budget makes cuts to very effective programs within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that not only clean our environment and protect our health but also spur economic growth.

I believe, for the most part, the President's budget is a responsible solution to ensure our continued economic recovery and long-term economic growth, providing for a brighter future for Delaware families.

One of my top priorities this year--which I share with President Obama--is to continue to support initiatives that spur job growth and create a nurturing environment where communities in Delaware and beyond can create a solid foundation…

Find out what works. Do more of that.

If we do not do something about reining those in, we are doomed, on Medicare and Medicaid and so forth.

They cannot be that smart; we cannot be that dumb.

We have worked on to try to move away from a culture of spendthrift, more toward a culture of thrift.

Thanks again for your leadership, for being here today, and for the spirit that you bring to your job.