This morning I gave my opening statement to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at the nomination hearing of Secretary-Designate of State, Hillary Clinton. I have had the pleasure of working closely with her on a wide range of issues for many years, and I look forward to our continued partnership and to her leadership as Secretary of State. I have no doubt she will do a remarkable job.

I then chaired the Senate Banking Committee nomination hearing of Shaun Donovan, HUD Secretary-Designate. Mr. Donovan has been nominated for a job fraught with significant challenges yet, for that very reason, imbued with great opportunities. I am confident he will bring to the Department the kind of leadership and vision at a time when such leadership is needed so desperately.

Over at the HELP Committee, Secretary of Education-Designate Arne Duncan, fielded questions at his nomination hearing. I’ve served on the HELP committee for 26 years, and rarely have I seen a time where the potential to make a positive impact on our nation’s education system has been so great. I believe Mr. Duncan has the experience and heart needed to excel as Education Secretary.

And this afternoon I discussed a new report on the use of seclusion and restraint in schools. I have been a longtime supporter of measures to limit the practices of seclusion and restraint and was glad to be joined by members of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) to announce this report. It is my hope that we can put an end to the abuse of these practices. You can watch my remarks on my YouTube channel.