This is fantastic. I think that was one of the best explanations of competitive bidding and how to structure this so we get at cost growth.

It is that balance that a lot of our Republican colleagues continue to object to.

I think we can all agree that more needs to be done to restrain the rate of health care cost growth...

The President's budget gets us off to a good start.

The Republican approach would end the Medicare guarantee of a package of benefits specified in law.

Of course, one of the cornerstone responsibilities of this Committee is finding--determining reliability of our electricity delivery system.

we need reforms, and we need changes for Social Security.

Chairman Ryan has recommended a plan for a voluntary personal account with a minimum guaranteed rate of return.

Thank you Steve. Since we ended with Social Security, why do I not pick up on Social Security.

Is it not wise to start reforming now, sooner, so that the distribution of the change is spread more broadly and evenly across income cohorts?

Chairman Ryan, Ranking Member Van Hollen, and members of the committee, all in my office look forward to continued work with you and all members of the Congress in the development of legislation that will restore long-range sustainable…

The overwhelming majority of our Republican colleagues have signed a pledge saying they won't close one special interest tax loophole.

We hope, and pray, that Congress would indeed act well before we ever hit the trust fund reserve exhaustion.

I believe strongly that we must address these challenges using a responsible, balanced approach.

Could you structure reforms that prevent that 23 percent cut from happening if you act sooner?

We can chart a brighter future for Medicare.

There is a very clear choice of two futures for both programs.

The assumptions that have come out in each of your reports assume a virtually unlimited ability of the federal government to finance the unified deficits.