I am very glad about that, and I think this has been really helpful.

We look forward to working with you.

In Minnesota, we are, as Senator Klobuchar alluded to, fortunate that we have tighter restrictions and regulations on scrap metal dealers.

Senator Hatch and I have introduced a bill that would place modest but important recordkeeping requirements on metal dealers in order to deter copper thefts.

Today we have a hearing with three goals: The first is to review the scale and scope of the metal theft problem as a criminal problem; we want to assess the threat that it poses to public safety and our critical infrastructure; and we want…

Today's hearing will examine the problem of metal theft in our country, the public hazards that this crime creates, and the challenges facing law enforcement as they attempt to combat this crime.

I think that it would go a long way in solving a problem.

I think part of why some of these energy issues have been more bipartisan in our State is that people feel that they have a piece of the action.

I think everyone knows by law that they have to do the census.

I think it is interesting because, as you said, you are a State that has oil, natural gas, but you had some popular bi-partisan support for putting a renewable electricity standard in place.

I particularly wanted to welcome the Governor of my neighboring State, North Dakota, Governor Hoeven.