[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 192 (Tuesday, November 2, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S7583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                    Nomination of Jeffrey M. Prieto

  Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I rise today in support of the 
confirmation of Jeffrey Prieto to serve as general counsel of the 
Environmental Protection Agency. Mr. Prieto was reported favorably from 
our committee, the Environment and Public Works Committee, on a 
bipartisan vote of 12 to 8.
  Yesterday, I received an interesting letter from a bipartisan group 
of four former EPA general counsels representing the Trump 
administration, the Obama administration, and the administrations of 
George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. They were basically conveying the same 
message: They support the confirmation of Jeffrey Prieto to serve as 
general counsel of the Environmental Protection Agency. That doesn't 
happen every day. We get letters of support from nominees, different 
parties, different Agencies from time to time, but to have four former 
EPA general counsels from two Republican administrations of late and 
two Democratic administrations all in support of the nomination of 
Jeffrey Prieto to serve in this important role--that got my attention, 
and I hope it gets the attention of all of my colleagues.
  Those who wrote to us, the four who wrote to us, very correctly point 
out that Mr. Prieto is, and I quote--these are their words, not mine--
``uniquely qualified for the position of General Counsel for the EPA.
  They go on to say:

       Mr. Prieto has been a longstanding champion of human health 
     and Environmental protection for all Americans.

  The letter continues:

       He is fair, just, and ethical. He will make decisions 
     strictly based on the facts, science, and the law. We expect 
     he will [be] ready to serve on day one.

  Not surprisingly, I completely agree with their sentiments. Having 
come to know Mr. Prieto following his nomination by President Biden, I 
believe he will be an outstanding EPA general counsel. He comes from a 
patriotic Latino family with a proud history of military service. He 
has the intellect, temperament, and experience to serve in this 
important role.
  Six years ago, this body saw fit to confirm Jeffrey Prieto 
unanimously for the same position, general counsel, at the Department 
of Agriculture. We should confirm him again today for this post. He was 
the right choice then; he is the right choice now. I encourage our 
colleagues to join me in supporting his nomination.
  With that, I yield the floor.
  Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
scheduled vote occur immediately.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Without objection, it is so ordered.

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