Max Baucus: “earlier today I spoke in support of Jack Lew's nomination to be the next Treasury Secretary. Over the last 6 hours or so…”

“earlier today I spoke in support of Jack Lew's nomination to be the next Treasury Secretary. Over the last 6 hours or so some have come to the Senate floor to question Mr. Lew's character, claiming he has not been forthcoming throughout his confirmation. Let me remind my colleagues that Mr. Lew participated in one of the most thorough reviews of any candidate for this position: a process that included hours of interviews and the examination of 6 years of tax records and more than 700 questions for the Record. In comparison, the committee asked Secretary Geithner only 289 questions--only; Secretary Paulson 81; and Secretary Snowe 75 questions. Remember, Jack Lew was asked over 700 questions. Throughout the confirmation process, Mr. Lew has been nothing but open and transparent. I believe he has gained the trust and confidence of many in this Chamber. In fact, 19 of 24 Senators on the Senate Finance Committee yesterday voted on a bipartisan basis in favor of Jack Lew's nomination. Many recognize that Mr. Lew is well qualified to be the Nation's next Treasury Secretary. He has demonstrated time and again that he has the knowledge and policy expertise to help get the Nation's economy back on track. He is a very smart man and a very dedicated, total public servant. If confirmed by the Senate today, Mr. Lew has said he is eager to work with all of us here in the Congress to strengthen the American economy and create more jobs.…”