Mary Landrieu

I think we can rustle one up for you.

President Obama said that cyber threat is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges that we face.

It is our responsibility.

Under my leadership, we will not go down that road.

Reducing funding for the Transportation Security Administration to levels before the Christmas Day bombing attempt would be reckless.

Under my leadership, we will not go in that direction.

What are you specifically doing to get these permits increased so our people can get back to work?

We're so far off the historic level. We've got to get it back up as quickly as possible.

I hope that we can be a little bit more positive so that the industry gets some more positive signals from you all in the near future.

I hope you will be willing to do that.

These costs are not accounted for in the President's budget request.

I want to commend you. This has been a very tough year for the Department.

It is $1.56 billion in fiscal year 2011 that is missing from this year's budget.

We have to be very careful about how we go about that exercise so that we can continue to provide the security that our Nation needs.

Using a more efficient internal combustion engine, in the short term, can help us reduce our dependence on oil and lessen our carbon emissions faster than waiting for electric vehicle technology to become accessible to the average consumer.

One would hope we could get more bang for our buck.

I generally think moving to electric vehicles is a laudable goal, but I think we must be realistic about how quickly we can get there.

I was pleased to see that DOE's budget proposal increased funding for biomass and biorefinery systems.

Just like every other member of this committee, I'm concerned about our Federal spending, I'm concerned about the debt, I'm concerned about the deficit.

I think it is appropriate that our first official hearing today is with Secretary Chu regarding the Department of Energy proposed budget.

I know there is nothing that requires you to do it. I am clear about the law.

And so do we know where the other non----

There is no law requiring them to contribute in any way to social services, mental health.

I am dismayed the Federal Government itself did not have any monies readily available to respond through our own agencies.

The law is deficient and can be and hopefully will be corrected so that the next time there is an environmental spill ... the polluter, the violator in this case be held accountable.