the same time spending billions exploring outer space, which I 

 have supported, I might add. 



Today's hearing, which focuses specifically on the dumping of ra- 

 dioactive material and other toxic wastes, will kick off a series of 

 ocean hearings which will follow up on the work of the 103d Con- 

 gress and hopefully provide us with a better understanding of the 

 marine environment. Vice President Al Gore is behind this effort, 

 and I would, without objection, submit a letter from the Vice Presi- 

 dent to me applauding this subcommittee and our colleagues on the 

 Science and National Resources Committee for their cooperation in 

 moving forward with this series of three hearings. 



[The letter from Vice President Gore follows:] 



