Jeff Bingaman: “I am really pleased with this legislation. It is bipartisan. I think it will move us in the right direction.”

I would certainly like to thank Senator Bingaman, who just retired just very recently, for the strong support that he has shown me over the years, and including support for this nomination.

First we would want a person as Secretary of Energy who had a knowledge of science and engineering.

I think there's an agreement that we need a permanent geologic repository.

I ask unanimous consent that the pending amendment be set aside and that I be permitted to call up amendment No. 3344 and ask for its immediate consideration. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk…