Executive Session - Chairman John Thune

Statement

Good morning. Thank you all for being here. Today we have another full agenda with seven legislative items and one nomination.

I'm especially pleased that we'll consider the National Quantum Initiative Act, which Ranking Member Nelson and I introduced with our House Science Committee colleagues, Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Johnson.

They recently passed their measure through Committee and are looking for House floor consideration in the fall. I am hopeful our bill can follow a similar path in the Senate.

Advancing quantum science has immense economic and national security implications for the United States. This legislation will establish a national quantum program and keep us ahead of our competitors, including China, in the race to develop technological breakthroughs based on quantum science.

We will also be considering the nomination of Martin Oberman to the Surface Transportation Board.

I am hopeful that, once we act on Mr. Oberman's nomination today, the full Senate can move quickly to confirm the other two STB nominees pending on the floor and we can finally have a full slate of five Board members.

I am disappointed that we are not also considering Rick Dearborn's nomination to the Amtrak Board of Directors today, but I understand that some members have requested additional time before we proceed.

He is a well-qualified nominee with a passion for public service and passenger rail. I look forward to considering him at the Committee's next markup.

With that, I will turn to Senator Nelson for any opening remarks.

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