soda ash is an industrial mineral, and it's important to folks in my State; it's important to folks in Wyoming; it's important throughout the West.

I believe it's very important the public receive fair market value for public resources.

I want to publicly express my appreciation to the Service, to the Bush administration, and to the Obama administration for their enthusiastic support and help in our roadless rule.

So, if it expires, it has direct effects on possible investments that would translate to more jobs in this area?

Geothermal resources play an enormously important role in providing energy for our country.

This is just completely unacceptable. This is so important to my State.

Over a year ago, Senator Barrasso and three of my colleagues, Senator Enzi, Senator Merkley, and Senator Feinstein and I wrote to the Secretary asking that the Department expedite the soda ash royalty study.

We're hoping to get moving as part of the super-committee process that will begin in the fall.

I'm sure that the ONC counties will have some suggestions about how to mitigate this.

This is about jobs. There can be plenty other issues.

What would be the impact on your industry and these jobs that I've been referring to this afternoon if you have an abrupt, you know, change of policy?

What can you tell our counties they ought to do to try to get through this budget season?

the people of the United States need relief right now.

This is a jobs issue.

I would like to briefly address S. 1458, the intelligence authorization bill for fiscal year 2012, which has now been reported by the Select Committee on Intelligence. I know that the chair and vice chair of the committee, Senator…

today I rise to introduce the PURPA PLUS Act. In my home State we have numerous emerging small renewable energy technologies, such as wave energy buoys, hydropower turbines in irrigation canals, biomass burning cogeneration facilities and…

I am pleased today to introduce the Promoting Accountability and Excellence in Child Welfare Act, a bill that would pave the way for new innovations that improve the lives and well-being of vulnerable children and their families. The…

The subcommittee will come to order.

It is pivotal right now that we move quickly.

I just felt we had to get going.

I respectfully request S 1024 be withdrawn from further consideration as it is currently written.

the development of oil and natural gas from shale has the potential to be a real game changer in the U.S. energy market, and there is, of course, tremendous, you know, interest.

I appreciate it. As I indicated, what I like about this concept--this is a chance to do it in the real world.

I am a very strong supporter of hydropower. It's enormously important in our region.

I care very much about the Oregon Caves Monument and expanding the boundary.