Well, Madam Chair, let me just thank all of our witnesses that are here, and I am really looking forward to today's hearing.

This bill takes action to deal with the underlying problem of global climate change by setting targets for us to meet.

Predictability is so important for investment. Industry knows how to adjust if they know what to expect.

if we are successful in dealing with global climate change, if not only the United States acts but we act at Copenhagen, and there is an international commitment, and we in fact meet our international standards and reduce our warming, we…

The direct threat that our energy policies pose to our national security, including climate change and sea level increases.

That is what, I think, is the most exciting thing about this bill, Madam Chair, is that we unleash the American economy with predictability.

We need to start making different decisions now to make sure we are targeting our investments smartly.

I have urged our negotiators in Copenhagen to deal with enforcement.

We have to do a better job with nuclear. We need the whole package for the sake of our national security.

This bill recognizes the role transit will play in reducing vehicle emissions.

You have put the Environment back into the Protection Agency.

The good news is that the solutions to these problems are intertwined with one another.

I am confident that the work my colleagues and I have put into the legislation we are considering today will provide the legal framework, business incentives and consumer protections necessary to move America toward a more prosperous…

At this critical juncture in our Nation's history, we face an economic crisis, an energy security crisis, and a global climate crisis.

We are dependent upon imported oil, which jeopardizes the security of America.

I thank you for your public service, taking on the incredibly important jobs that you are taking on in the Obama administration.

It is urgent that we act.

We have to act. We can't just talk about this. We have to act.

Transportation represents 30 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions and 60 or 70 percent of our oil use.

I agree with you, and particularly as it relates to Bosnia.

NATO has taken on a different meaning and a different role, and I just want to engage you a little bit as to what impact this is having on the recommendations that you are going to make.

I think of Bosnia-Herzegovina today and recognize that 14 years ago it was involved in a war. Genocide was occurring, and hundreds of thousands lost their lives. And now, Bosnia's future is uncertain today. We have made progress.

Which gives up hope that we won't slide back to the ethnic fighting that took place just a few years ago.

I just think that this is an important function as we look forward to NATO in the future.

The EITI is a strong effort. Senator Lugar and I have introduced legislation to strengthen the U.S. involvement.