William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry: “like other Members, I rise in appreciation and admiration for the leadership shown by our chairman, the gentleman from…”

“like other Members, I rise in appreciation and admiration for the leadership shown by our chairman, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), and by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) in moving this bill, particularly at this difficult time. I also appreciate the participation of all the members in the special panel dealing with the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons program. At this time, as it has been for the past few years, security of our nuclear weapons and the complex which produces them has been a very high matter of concern. I can report to the House that General Gordon, who is the administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, has done a good job, in my view, in making sure that our nuclear weapons facilities are secure, and particularly in this difficult time. Along with the very distinguished ranking member of the panel, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher), we have worked side by side over the past year in overseeing the reorganization which Congress passed a few years ago. Included in this bill are some minor adjustments to the reorganization which I think are good and prudent and requested by General Gordon.”