Jeff Bingaman: “But I do think that to me the energy question is national security.”

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.

He knows the crucial role that Congress plays in setting policy and in overseeing how that policy is carried out.

He has demonstrated, on numerous occasions, his ability to find solutions to very difficult problems and to find solutions that could gain the support of Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike.

I thank my colleague Senator Leahy. Madam President, what is the pending business before the Senate now? Is it an amendment to this legislation? The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Amendment No. 3371 is the pending business. Amendment No…