Jeff Bingaman: “The Department of Energy budget before the committee today represents a significant investment in our Nation's ability…”

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 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.

It's important that we have a person with substantial knowledge and many varied skills in order to succeed.

I'm honored to be here with Senator Udall to strongly support the nomination of Mike Connor for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior.