Welcome you to your first hearing following your bipartisan conservation in the senate. It took us a little bit longer than we had hoped to get you in this role and we are happy to have you at the helm. We look forward to getting you helping you get a full complement of folks at the department as well. The budget request for the department of energy takes a different approach than weve seen. The president has made a concerted effort to increase funding for the nuclear. This is a portion of the department that falls outside of our community here. The administration has requested robust cleaning of Nuclear Waste. To offset those funding increases the proposed deep cuts to research and development for energy and science. It proposes to phase out innovative programs that have had demonstrated success. I understand what drop the proposal, but i am concerned by certain parts of it. The United States is the worlds leader in science and energy. We like it that way, and we want to keep it that
[inaudible conversations] good morning. The committee will come to order. Id like to welcome you all to our second bubble confirmation hearing of this anon girls feet. I would like to start by thanking senator korn and for being here to speak on behalf of our nominee is. Always good to have you. Our fellow committee member, senator mention from West Virginia is prepared to also offer introductory remarks for a nominee. Governor perry, i would like to extend a warm welcome to you and to your family. Know that i appreciate your desire to serve, your willingness to become our next secretary of energy. Ive enjoyed the meeting that we had together, learning more about your leadership as governor of the state of texas, including your accomplishments in the area of energy and environment. Im going to withhold this morning and a reference to text size versus alaska size. Weve had that discussion. But in all seriousness, we know that you are seeking to leave the department of energy at an inter