Lamar Alexander

One of the problems we need to solve that we agree we need to solve is where to put used nuclear fuel.

I think her survey history sounded right to me.

I'd like to thank the Commission for working so closely with Senator Feinstein and me over the past few years to reduce the Commission's budget to more closely reflect its actual workload, while maintaining its gold standard of safety.

In my view, nuclear power is our best source of inexpensive, reliable, carbon-free base load power, and it is crucially important for our national security and competitiveness.

I want to express to Senator Feinstein once again what a privilege it is to have a chance to work with her as a partner in leading this committee.

What a privilege it is to serve with Senator Feinstein. She knows the subject, she has firm opinions, and she's effective in the work that she does, and having been a mayor, she knows how to make a decision.

There's no issue that Senator Feinstein and I are united more on than solving the nuclear waste stalemate.

We have bipartisan proposals that would simplify the number of loans.

We hope to make higher education a top priority soon.

Will you make a priority and give your attention to the dozen proposals within the Kirwan-Zeppos report?

There are basically two ways to be the Education Secretary. One is an advocate--better schools, higher standards, better teacher evaluation, and more school choice. The other is orders from Washington.

I endorse Lieutenant Colonel Dan Gade, USA, Ret. for confirmation as an Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner.

I look forward to hearing your testimony on these important issues.

I am concerned, as are other members of this committee, about the Administration's hiring freeze.

I support quickly moving the reauthorization recommendations sent to us in January.

We believe he will bring a wealth of knowledge to the position and be an important advocate for the health care community.

Like any other system, leadership in supercomputing is absolutely essential because the Chinese and other nations use a supercomputer for just the same advantages that we seek to achieve in this country.

So I will just ask one question.

I am delighted to welcome Dr. Thomas Zacharia to the Committee.

Mr. Acosta understands firsthand the balance between promoting free-market, pro-growth policies that create jobs and grow our economy while protecting workers' rights.

We urge the committee to give him swift consideration and coordination for this important role.

NRF urges members of this committee and the Senate to support the nominee and move toward confirmation without delay.

This Congress has been a little slow in finding things on which we can agree, but one thing we do agree on, as has been said, is the importance of biomedical research.

Andy Puzder would have made a really good labor secretary. He has the experience and background to do that. I respect his decision, however, I understand it.

We want to do that by moving decisions out of Washington and back in the hands of consumers and of States.