Coal has been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, the foundation of our Nation's energy resources.

I would like to thank Chairman Harkin and Ranking Member Enzi for holding this hearing on strengthening enforcement and creating a culture of compliance at mines and other dangerous workplaces.

We have a continuing duty to establish, and insist upon, proper standards of safety for those who work in this industry.

I believe President Obama has made an extraordinary choice in nominating John Gibney.

Because of their work, their leadership, the Post-9/11 GI Bill came into being.

In 2008, with remarkable leadership from Senator Webb, Congress passed landmark legislation recognizing the contribution and needs of millions of Americans who served their country in our Armed Forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere.

Your investment in us will help make us the next greatest generation.

The VFW would like this opportunity to thank you for your leadership and the creation of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

This legislation, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, makes possible educational dreams that not only express a special thanks to our veterans, but also contribute directly to the economic recovery and future of America.

I think it's entirely natural that we, in the United States, are focusing on China.

85 percent of the Japanese people have a positive opinion about the United States.

You can be at peace with another country, and that country isn't necessarily your friend; you can be friends with a country, and that doesn't necessarily mean that country is your ally.