The problem is that Congress needs to be restrained. And if it can't restrain itself, well, then somebody has to. That tends to be the executive branch.

It just sends a message that Congress is just out of touch and oblivious to the concerns of ordinary people. And I think that's just deeply wrong, and it feeds into the cynicism that many people feel about Washington these days.

Members of Congress are still insisting on getting their little special projects. It's just not right at this moment in time.

At a time when ordinary people are having to cut back, should not Congress exert a little restraint?

If it can't restrain itself, then somebody has to. That tends to be the executive branch.

First, it increases spending about four times the rate of inflation at a time when the deficit is out of control and our national debt is skyrocketing. So I just I think fiscally, it is irresponsible.

the last thing that we want is the political branches of Government getting, you know, more involved in setting these policies on a day-to-day basis

The President was wise to ask you to remain, and you were a true public servant.

I can't help but think that if we had had the kind of nuanced and complex analysis at that point, perhaps we wouldn't be here today.

I'm most gratified for your collaboration.

these fees would largely be passed through to consumers in the form of higher premiums for private coverage.

This is not a future that we want for our country.