Tom Carper

I welcome this important hearing, and I want to thank our Chair and Ranking Member for pulling this all together.

DOD has never achieved an audit, an unqualified audit, and they have huge cost overruns for major weapons systems.

The United States spends more on defense than the next 10 nations combined, and we have a request for another $600-plus billion.

How is that coordination going as we help defend our reactors from these kinds of attacks in the future?

Earlier this year, there were reports of possible cyber attacks on some of our nuclear reactors, as you know.

I would say we are doing very well. I think the secret to getting along is respect. It does not mean you agree on everything.

In Delaware, we have added two more C's, civility and collaboration. I think that is not just the secret for a long union between two people; it is also the secret for a vibrant democracy and effective leadership.

Is the largest factor that led to the decision not to go forward with the South Carolina project, and frankly, decisions around the country to close or mark for closure a number of nuclear plants, have more to do with the very low cost of…

In this regard, is there anything going on in other countries, France or any other countries where they have a fair amount of nuclear that you are aware of?

I was privileged to go with a member of our staff to France to take a look at what they were doing with respect to efforts to recycle and reprocess spent fuel.

While he is still here in the room munching on a granola bar, I just want to say I approve this message, approve that message.

Let us talk a little bit about morale. You used to be at the top of the charts, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, for many years, No. 1 in terms of morale, down to No. 11.

It is my understanding that unlike nuclear reactors, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulations do not prohibit foreign ownership and control of uranium milling operations.

I would like to have some response as to whether you agree to reaffirm your willingness to be responsive to the questions from all of us as we go forth.

With nuclear energy, safety has been and must remain a top priority in the operation of nuclear reactors.

I think it was Sheldon Whitehouse, Senator Whitehouse who mentioned the Harbor Trust Fund.

I want money. That's what I want.

We have a reluctance in this country to pay for things, things that we need to have.

The President has said that America's aging infrastructure should be modernized and rebuilt.

This country, much like this Committee, has very diverse and broad geographic makeup.

I think my colleagues agree--we probably don't provide enough money.

Maybe sometime when you come over to Delaware, we will get into my 2001 Chrysler Town & Country minivan with 465,000 miles on it, and we will drive down State Route 1 and head over to Prime Hook Beach, and I will show you where the beach…

If confirmed, you will also oversee the Army Corps of Engineers' activities for environmental regulations and permitting.

The sea level is rising and the State is sinking, which is not a very good combination.

The need here is huge.