    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [March 12, 1997]
    [Pages 294-295]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Confirmation of Federico Pena as Secretary of Energy
    March 12, 1997

        I want to applaud the Senate today for its strong vote of support
    for Federico Pena to serve as our Nation's new Energy Secretary. As
    Transportation Secretary, Federico Pena built consensus among
    communities, business, and Government and streamlined operations to reap
    benefits for all taxpayers.
        With this record, I am confident that Secretary Pena has the skill,
    experience, and dedication to lead the Energy Department to meet its
    central challenges--to broaden America's energy resources, to promote a
    safer, more secure world, and to help to create a brighter economic
    future for all Americans.

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