OPENING STATEMENT OF
SENATOR BOB SMITH
FOR NOMINATIONS HEARING
JANUARY 24, 2002
Good afternoon, I would like to thank all of the
nominees for being here and for their willingness to meet with both Senators
and staff since the President sent their names to the Senate for
consideration. The individuals before
the Committee today represent over a half century of combined state and federal
public service experience. Each of
these nominees are very well qualified and I believe that their statements will
reflect their outstanding background in public service as well as their
excellence in their respective fields.
As you know, Linda Combs has served in a variety of
financial and management positions - including serving as CFO for the United
States Treasury Department and Acting Associate Deputy Administrator for
Management at the Veterans Administration.
Linda has a proven track record in introducing innovative and
practical management techniques. I believe that she will use her extensive
past experience to excel at walking the fine line between financial discipline
and providing the services that are required of the EPA.
Paul Gilman=s background is one that I believe we can all respect
- he has served in a variety of positions, including Executive Assistant for
Technical Matters for the Secretary of Energy, Executive Director of the
Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council of the National Academy
of Sciences and Engineering and, for a number of years, he served on the staff
of our colleague, Senator Domenici.
Paul brings with him a deep knowledge of the tasks
that he will face while serving with the EPA and I believe that he has the
scientific and management skills to fulfill those tasks. The EPA will be facing a number of
scientific and technological challenges in the next few years and I am certain
that Dr. Gilman will make good use of his experience as we continue to expand
our knowledge in areas like energy related technologies and environmental
remediation.
Morris Winn has shown extraordinary dedication to the
field of human resources management and this has not gone unnoticed. Mr. Winn had been a valuable asset to the
State of Texas and his excellence has provided him the opportunity to accept
greater management responsibility. He
has shown commitment and a sincere desire to continue to improve on his
knowledge within his field - this dedication and knowledge will be put to good
use in the EPA as they assess their human and other resource needs.
I look forward to working with all of you as we begin
this new year with a full plate.