John B. Breaux: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you the panel members.”

I think it's hers to lose. I think it's the consensus among Democrats that I've talked to that she's clearly in the lead, is clearly the person that they have to beat.

The great challenge today I would just suggest to both my Democratic colleagues and my Republican friends and colleagues... is how do both political parties bridge the gap between the different political philosophies and produce health…

Suppose you have somebody who may not do that. Is there any provision in the bill that says what will happen to the company that does not abide by the plan? I believe in trust but verify. If you don't do what you say you are going to do…

My opinion is that in order to ever reach an agreement between the two parties, Congress is going to have to combine the best of what government can do with the best of what the private sector can do and put the two together.