Frank Lautenberg: “Our nation's telecommunications networks are some of our most valuable assets.”

I am concerned that with our budget difficulties we will continue to see declining budgets for Defense Nuclear Non-Proliferation activities in favor of Weapons Activities.

Thank you for scheduling this hearing to consider the re-nomination of Dr. Allison Macfarlane to be Chairwoman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

I remain concerned about the Department's fiscal year 2014 budget proposal to once again attempt to consolidate preparedness grants into one national program.

We also need to expand our research into climate change so we better understand the coming impacts, and how to mitigate them.