Max Baucus: “America's first Treasury Secretary, Alexander Hamilton, once said: The confidence of the people will easily be gained by…”

“America's first Treasury Secretary, Alexander Hamilton, once said: The confidence of the people will easily be gained by a good administration. This is the true touchstone. Hamilton's words take on new prominence today as we task our next Treasury Secretary to gain the trust of the American people and restore confidence in our Nation's economy. Nineteen of twenty-four Senators on the Senate Finance Committee voted yesterday on a bipartisan basis in favor of Jack Lew's nomination. Senators on both sides of the aisle spoke to his character and to his integrity. He is well qualified to be the Nation's next Treasury Secretary and will work to build the people's confidence and restore trust and certainty in both our government and in our economy. That will be his touchstone. I am certainly not alone in supporting Mr. Lew for the crucial role as the administration's top adviser on economic policy. Yesterday's overwhelming support for Mr. Lew came after one of the most thorough reviews of any candidate for the position--a process that included hours of interviews with Mr. Lew, the examination of 6 years' of tax records, and more than 700 questions for the record. In comparison, the committee asked Secretary Geithner 289 questions, Secretary Paulson 81 questions, and Secretary Snowe 75 questions. Mr. Lew has met personally with more than 40 Senators since being nominated for Treasury Secretary last month, answering questions and addressing any concerns.…”