Hearing before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Nomination of Jeffrey Clay Sell to be Deptuy Secretary of the Dept of Energy and .....

Hearing before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Nomination of Jeffrey Clay Sell to be Deptuy Secretary of the Dept of Energy and Patricia Lynn Scarlett to be Deputy Secretary of the Dept of Interior

Prepared Statement of Hon. John Cornyn, U.S. Senator From Texas

Chairman Domenici, Ranking Member Bingaman, and committee members, it is a privilege to join Senator Hutchison today in supporting Clay Sell's nomination as Deputy Secretary of Energy. I believe that President Bush has made strong choice for this nomination. As many of the members of this committee are well aware, Clay possesses a number of personal and professional attributes that make him an ideal candidate for this critical position.

From his education in Texas, to working on national energy policy issues on Capitol Hill, to helping guide the Administration's formation and implementation of energy initiatives, Clay has demonstrated an intelligence and ability to negotiate complex policy matters.

There are few greater skills in Washington than the ability to perceive overreaching national needs, formulate a vision for moving forward to address those needs, then working tirelessly to attain that vision for the greater good. I believe that Clay has demonstrated these abilities.

There are many challenges that lie ahead to meet our energy needs. Our country has gone too long without a strategic, comprehensive energy policy. There are few things that have such a direct and pervasive affect on both our economy and our environment than ensuring our nation's energy security. Also, our good stewardship of our nuclear material and continuation of aggressive policies that assure nonproliferation have, perhaps, a greater importance now than in any
other time in our history.

I am confident that Clay's leadership, breadth of knowledge and vision will help guide the Department of Energy through these many challenges. For your part and for mine, I also know that Clay will be an effective partner with Congressional members and leadership in working to enact beneficial policies.

Thank you for the opportunity to express my support for this nominee. I look forward to continuing to work alongside you, Secretary Bodman, and Clay on these important issues.

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