Preparing workers for the energy jobs of the future through training and educational opportunities can help narrow this unacceptable gap.

Chairman Rush has been Congress' champion for developing a more diverse and robust energy workforce.

The reemergence of this highly contagious vaccinepreventable disease poses a threat beyond the pockets of communities in which it arises.

I know we have done this on a bipartisan basis always, and he has always been out front on it.

I want to stress how important this hearing is, and I am pleased we are able to continue.

Chairman Rush's legislation takes important steps to bridge the diversity gaps that currently exist in the energy sector.

The legislation provides DOE new authority to offer direct assistance to schools, workforce development boards, and labor organizations.

It is particularly dangerous to infants, children under the age of 5, those who are pregnant, and people with compromised immune systems.

Fortunately, the outbreak in New Jersey is now over, but as of this morning, there have been 159 measles cases reported across the Nation already this year.

This threat, in my opinion, is amplified, unfortunately, by the spread of disinformation.

The elimination of measles in the United States in 2000 was a testament to science research and the public health system we have in place in this country.

Thank you, Chairman Rush, for continuing--starting and continuing the committee's efforts to expand training and promote diversity.