On the Senate Blue Ribbon committee chairmanship

"The Senate's vote of confidence to head an important committee humbled as it honored me. As an independent senator, I freely embrace the trust and confidence to lead the august chamber in reinvigorating its collective commitment of restoring integrity and exacting accountability in public office.

"The tasks ahead of us are indeed great. The war is long and arduous; the fight is neither easy nor popular. But many, as I have, have come prepared for the battle. We shall persist and prevail upon those who have grown complacent with the status quo; upon those who take advantage of the weaknesses of our democratic system.

"I shall draw strength and inspiration from the people who want to see that their government honestly works for them. Under the new Senate leadership, I have no doubt of our collective strength to carry out our duty of advancing a good cause and of breaking down the walls that divide us as a nation and as a people.

"We shall exercise our oversight power with focus, decisiveness, caution, and most importantly, with transparency and responsibility. But make no mistake about it - the axe of the Senate's oversight arm will fall on whomever, wherever they may be.

"There is neither a day nor an hour to lose.

"It is time to roll up our sleeves.