Jeff Bingaman: “Thank you Chairman Bingaman and colleagues for giving me the opportunity to discuss climate and water issues with you.”

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

I thank the managers of the bill, the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and I call up amendment No. 3344. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the clerk will report. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: The Senator…

We ought to be encouraging that. That should not be something that we just do for 3 years or 5 years.

I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on December 19, 2012. The PRESIDING OFFICER. With objection, it is so ordered. Subcommittee on Financial Institutions on…