Jeff Bingaman: “I am saying before I agree to that specific time I would like to be sure to protect Senator Cantwell.”

Second, we would want a person with demonstrated managerial abilities.

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.

The President, in my view, could not have chosen a better nominee for the position than Mike.

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