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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

The backlog of deferred maintenance is overwhelming.

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

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