January 20, 2009

Washington, DC—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made the following statement today on the floor of the U.S. Senate prior to the confirmation of the following appointees: Steven Chu as Secretary of Energy, Arne Duncan as Secretary of Education, Janet Napolitano as Secretary of Homeland Security, Peter Orszag as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Kenneth Salazar as Secretary of the Interior, Eric Shinseki as Secretary of Veterans' Affairs and Thomas Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture.  Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

"In the coming days, weeks and months, we will work with President Obama to revive our economy, protect homeowners and consumers, bring our country closer to energy independence, strengthen our national security, and improve access to health care and education for all Americans.

"These challenges require a President with a full arsenal of tools and experts.  President Obama has nominated a cabinet of exceptionally bright and capable people.  They represent a cross-section of our country, geographically and politically.

"It is up to us, Democrats and Republicans in the Senate, to confirm these worthy nominees quickly so that they, along with our new President, can hit the ground running."

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