Jeff Bingaman: “Thank you very much.”

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

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.