Ben Cardin

I strongly support the WaterSense program and applaud you for the initiative, and personally believe it would have more legitimacy if it were authorized.

I think it would be beneficial in a couple of ways.

Unlike the Energy Star program, the WaterSense program does not have formal authorization.

Today's hearing will focus on the role the Environmental Protection Agency must play in making our Nation more efficient in the way we use our water.

First, let me say that today's hearing will focus on the role the Environmental Protection Agency must play in making our Nation more efficient in the way we use our water.

I think both of us understand the importance of the jurisdiction of our Subcommittee in protecting the waters of our Nation for the environment and for safe drinking and supply, and I look forward to working with you.

I want to acknowledge the support of Senator Boxer for allowing the Subcommittee to move forward with this first hearing on water efficiency.

The Federal Government does have to treat like employees similarly.

The merit principles, which basically say we should hire people who can do the job because they have the skills to do the job and we evaluate them by how well they do that job and nothing else.

He has good judgment and unquestioned integrity, and I think that really sums it up.

I really wanted to be here to see whether we had to hold Congressman Hoyer in contempt of the Senate.

I wholeheartedly endorse his nomination and recommend to the Committee that we move quickly on his confirmation.

We are very proud of his public service. We thank you very much for your continued willingness to want to serve our Nation.

We need your full attention focused on restoring the integrity of the ESA process.

Let me just stress, I think there are several parts to this concern.

The nominee is charged with restoring the role good science must play in making good public policy.

We are currently losing about 150 acres a year because of sea level change

I would hope that the strategy that you come out with within the Department of Interior will be mindful that you can play a dual role in educating the public to take action to help the future.

I certainly hope that the Committee can complete its review quickly and that your nomination can go to the floor for action.

One of the problems we have is that many Americans have yet to really understand the day to day risks associated with global climate change.

The guidance would be based upon the best science, and not political considerations

I think most people agree that the Endangered Species Act is one of the most important safeguards that was enacted by Congress in order to preserve diversity in our wildlife, and that decisions should be based upon good science, good…

The backlog of deferred maintenance is overwhelming.

Our Nation's surface transportation system is in desperate need of repair while being stretched to its limits.

The funding we provided merely put a dent in the enormous backlog of transportation needs in this country.