let me express to my colleagues how disappointed I am that we were unable to move forward with debate on Wall Street reform. People should know that what we recently voted on was a motion to proceed so a bill could be brought to the floor…

I take this time to emphasize the need of our Nation to move forward with a comprehensive energy policy. We need to create good, clean energy jobs here in America and not lose them to overseas competitors. We also understand we need an…

Well, Mr. Frazer, first thank you for your testimony, but more importantly, thank you for your service, your longstanding service on these issues.

So we are grateful for the work the Coastal Program has done in my State to protect these vital natural resources.

I am convinced that you are right. If we can sensitize children to the awesome responsibilities that we have, that they will do what is right.

And I take it based upon that science available, these are not political judgments. These are scientific judgments.

To me, it just points out that with a very modest amount of Federal investment and encouragement, what you can do with the private sector and get done.

I find that an incredible example of cooperation. I know Senator Crapo has worked very hard on that.

I think we need to try to institutionalize that a little bit better as far as sharing with what is being done around the Nation because it is no sense reinventing the wheel.

It has been a critically important partner in our Chesapeake Bay efforts.

This was added to the Endangered Species Act as a common sense way to try to work out private agreements that could preserve wildlife diversity and perhaps even avoid the need for listing if we can do enough private conservation agreements.

Coastal wetlands provide essential nutrients, food and shelter for shellfish, waterfowl, migratory birds and more than half of commercial fish.

If we are going to be successful in our efforts to protect these species and these places, we all--private, public, individual and organizations, businessmen and conservationists, farmers and fishermen--we all have to work together to make…

Your entire statement will be made part of the record, as will all of the witnesses', without objection.

The enhanced commitment to partnership and the coordination with the Department of Interior... we could look at on an authorization bill.

I think that is helpful. We are now looking at an authorization for the Coastal Program, and we will be reaching out to get not only the input from Members of the Senate and the House on this, but also the Administration to see whether we…

But it is an incredible restoration of the Susquehanna.

I would just urge you that if you want our cooperation on budget support, et cetera, it is a lot easier if we have nominees to consider.

Let me just follow up on your point about these fish ladders and invite you up to the Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna.

I think that is critically important, and I am glad that you figured out a way to get it done in Oklahoma.

I just urge you to give this the highest priority because I think we have the technology to do a lot better than we are doing today.

So where is the accountability? What type of review process is in place to make sure that the expectations are reached?

There is more money stolen from banks today through cyber theft than there was during the bank robbery days.

I take this time to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day that we celebrate today, April 22. I think we first need to acknowledge that we have made a lot of progress since the Cuyahoga River in Ohio caught fire in 1969. We have…

The hearing record will remain open for one week for additional statements and questions from Senators.