[inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] cement the will to lead but to the next cabinet lovell, bernie confirmation been delayed to start by thinking the senior senator from texas to be fair to speak on behalf of the nominees. Also the fellow Committee Member from West Virginia prepared to offer introductory remarks for a a warm welcome to you and your family your willingness to become our next secretary of energy for. I enjoyed flu at federal of learning more about your leadership in texas and your accomplishments in the area of energy and environment. I love riffled will withhold any comments texas side is verses alaska size and i won. [laughter] we know you lars seeking half to lead had an interesting and critical time helping to make our nation a Global Leader of research and development encouraging scientific exploration to foster innovation. And with those laboratories but the greatest asset those that dedicate not just to their careers to those toughest challenges th
Heres a portion of his confirmation hearing from january. The attorney general of the United States is of course, the nations chief Law Enforcement officer. He or she is not the president s theer, no rr is he president s wingmen, as the attorney general described himself. Rather, he or she has an independent obligation to the constitution and to the American People. I know you care deeply about this foundational principle. So, i am going to ask you a question. I have heard you ask other nominees for attorney general. Occasionally he will be called upon to offer an opinion to the president who appointed you. You will have to tell him, yes or no. And sometimes, president s dont like to be told no. So, i would like to know, will you be able to stand up and say no to the president of the United States if in your judgment, the law and your duty demands it . I ask that because i know you work very hard for the president elect. Mr. Chairman, i understand the importance of your question. I und
Heres a portion of his confirmation hearing from january. The attorney general of the United States is of course, the nations chief Law Enforcement officer. He or she is not the president s theer, no rr is he president s wingmen, as the attorney general described himself. Rather, he or she has an independent obligation to the constitution and to the American People. I know you care deeply about this foundational principle. So, i am going to ask you a question. I have heard you ask other nominees for attorney general. Occasionally he will be called upon to offer an opinion to the president who appointed you. You will have to tell him, yes or no. And sometimes, president s dont like to be told no. So, i would like to know, will you be able to stand up and say no to the president of the United States if in your judgment, the law and your duty demands it . I ask that because i know you work very hard for the president elect. Mr. Chairman, i understand the importance of your question. I und
Mr. Sessions was nominated to be a federal judge by Ronald Reagan but was rejected by the Senate Judiciary committee. Jeff sessions later served as Alabama Attorney general and spent 20 years in the u. S. Senate. Heres a portion of his confirmation hearing from january. The attorney general of the United States is, of course, the nations chief Law Enforcement officer. He or she is not the president s lawyer, nor is he the president s wingmen, as attorney general holder described himself. Rather, he or she has an independent obligation to the constitution, and to the American People. I know you care deeply about this foundational principle, so i am going to ask you a question i have heard you ask other nominees for attorney general. Occasionally, you will be called upon to offer an opinion to the president who appointed you. You will have to tell him yes or no. Sometimes president s dont like to be told no. So i would like to know, will you be able to stand up and say no to the presiden
Quorum call mr. Cornyn madam president . The presiding officer the sphror texas. Mr. Cornyn madam president , i ask unanimous consent that the quorum call be dispensed with. The presiding officer without objection. Mr. Cornyn madam president , i understand there is a bill at the desk due for its second reading. The presiding officer the clerk will read the bill for the second time. The clerk s. 3011, a bill to improve the accountability, efficiency, transparency, and overall effectiveness of the federal government. Mr. Cornyn madam president , in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule 14, i object to further proceedings. The presiding officer objection being heard, the bill will be placed on the calendar. Mr. Cornyn madam president , anybody whos been watching the national news, and particularly the weather, knows that weve been having some serious flooding back home in texas and, tragically, we lost nine soldiers at fort hood in a very unfortunate drownin