STATEMENT OF SENATOR MAX BAUCUS
CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR NIKKI L. TINSLEY
NOMINEE FOR INSPECTOR GENERAL - EPA
JULY 15, 1998

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, too, would like to welcome Ms. Tinsley this morning, and recognize her daughter, Sara Tinsley, who has come to share in this occasion with her mother this morning.

The position for which the President has nominated you is a very important one. Not just because you will be our Inspector General, but because you will be I.G. for the Environmental Protection Agency. As we all know, EPA is charged with protecting public health and the environment of this country. As Inspector General, you have to ensure

Agency compliance with more than 18 statues. And you must be certain that more than $7 billion taxpayer dollars are being spent appropriately. That is a necessary task and a daunting responsibility.

After reviewing your resume, it appears you are up for the job and I look forward to hearing from you this morning.