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

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

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.

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.

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

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