I think it is one of those appropriate functions of government in many circumstances.

We can turn this economy around. We can turn this country around. But it is going to take difficult decisions today in order to avoid taking nearly impossible decisions tomorrow.

We believe the 2013 government shutdown was good policy.

I have proposed moving stuff from the OCO to the top-line defense budget because I think it is more transparent.

I believe that was part of the proposal that the House made in order to give the States the incentive necessary to reform.

I think if we would be perfectly candid with each other, the best way for us to reduce the size of the deficit is to grow the economy.

The number one priority of the United States Federal Government is to defend the Nation.

I think it offers us perhaps the best opportunity to have an immediate impact on getting the economy ramped up even further.

Well, I do not imagine the President of the United States would tell me to lie.

I would like to give the States the flexibility to try.

My commitment, if you confirm me, is to the President of the United States.

the United States is the reserve currency; the United States debt obligations are absolutely sacrosanct.

Senator Kaine has been a strong advocate on that.

There will be a time for a discussion about aid and how to pay for it, but that time is not now.

Are they actually getting the kind of service and education that they need? Are they improving?

I think that is one of the more important parts of your opportunity in this position: looking at those kids.

It seems to me that it would be imperative for the Secretary of HHS and the Secretary of Education to look at ways to synergize your efforts to help the underprivileged student, the underprivileged child.

I wasn't there, but if the President of the United States is claiming that 3 to 5 -- 3.5 million people voted illegally, that shakes confidence in our democracy. He needs to disclose why he believes that.