WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator John D (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate’s vote tonight to confirm Dr. Jane Lubchenco, nominated to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere at the U.S. Department of Commerce - also known as the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – and Dr. John Holdren, nominated to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President.

“I am pleased to see the President’s nominees, Dr. Jane Lubchenco and Dr. John Holdren, confirmed by the United States Senate.  I commend President Obama for nominating individuals who are committed to the advancement of scientific research and knowledge.  It is time to take science out of the laboratory and into our communities in order to help people understand how science impacts their everyday lives – from clean air and water to fixing our rapidly declining economy.  Both individuals will serve this country and the taxpayers honorably; there is much work to be done and no time to waste.”