Ron Wyden

This will be my last hearing as chair, and I want our panel members to know that the reason why I thought this was so important is, this really goes back to my roots.

It is all about retirement security.

The Finance Committee is going to remain the go-to place for developing economic policies that make people's lives better.

That is why it is not the time to discuss cutting Social Security.

I think you're going to do a good job of striking that balance on the teeter totter.

It's, kind of, a teeter totter here.

I feel very strongly about. I essentially got my start in public service as Co-Director of the Oregon Gray Panthers.

I just want you to know we're going to do everything we possibly can to see if we can get you confirmed before the Congress wraps up.

I must also add, with regard to grid security, I've participated in the Electric Sector Coordinating Committee.

I will uphold the tenant that it's voluntary participation in the markets.

We don't want any more Enron scams in the Pacific Northwest.

You'll always do well up here when you talk about the diversity of the States in the energy field.

I want to make sure that you will support policies that keep the locus, keep the place, of Northwest electricity decisions in the Northwest.

I think we need to get this on the record.

I want to do everything I possibly can to advance those kinds of policies.

In my view, she's lucky to have you in her corner. I appreciate it.

Ms. Honorable clearly has the background, training and experience necessary to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Like Senator Landrieu I'm pleased to support Ms. Honorable's nomination.

It is important that we tackle this in a bipartisan way, because the reality is that natural gas, particularly because of what has happened in the Bakken, is advantage America.

Congress has a key role to play in ensuring that the journey that we have started...does not get derailed.

The American people deserve an upgrade on that kind of approach. They deserve a bipartisan alternative.

I fully share the Senator's concern and want to assure her as well as Tribal interests that the Congressional intent, as well as mine as chairman of the Finance Committee, is to expand rather than restrict the safe harbor provisions in…

The Senator is correct. I want to express my full support for the administrative guidance issued by the IRS in Rev. Proc. 2014- 35. I would also point out to the Senator that the bill requires under its ``Statutory Construction'' provision…

Our committee--on a bipartisan basis--needs to be part of a robust conversation about how best to determine costs and benefits.

Our country--with a long tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship--has the opportunity to lead the way.