the process of a CR is damaging and is irresponsible.

If we wanted a great demonstration example of how to do high-speed rail, we look forward to Virginia's application being perhaps more competitive than it was in the first round.

I cannot think of a better place with higher potential usage and a more willing bipartisan support at this point than the Commonwealth of Virginia.

the certainty of what our tax policies are, I think, are going to be very critical long-term

it would impact direct services and potential services that local governments could provide because their ability to borrow would diminish if there is a debt crisis.

I think the idea of a summit is fine, but I really believe that the role of the Budget Committee should--as a former mayor, what we used to do, we would present our budget to the Budget Committee.

I would echo what Senator Wyden said in regards to tax reform.

the big chunk of our retirement funds--I can tell you, as a former mayor, we invested in U.S. securities all the time because it is the safest and the right place to put the money.

if we have those discussions, we may have assumptions that we can lay down, but then we at least can know what those numbers will be

we have to re-examine what is the right approach.

we cannot afford to be on the track we are on financially for this country because at the end of the day we will hit a brick wall, and there will be nothing available for us to operate.

I do have some of the concerns that Senator Thune has, that, you know, we have to make the financing work the right way.

Most Americans know that the earmark issue is emblematic of a greater problem in Washington; that Washington's spending too much.

Of course, the middle class needs to have these tax cuts continued, given the economic difficulties that we are now facing.

Despite nearly $5 trillion of fiscal and monetary stimulus, we have 101,000 fewer jobs in America than when the recession officially ended.

Yesterday's actions by the House to raise taxes on the very consumers and small businesses most likely to pull us out of this poor economy, I think, is more of the same failed economic policies that have hindered America's recovery.

I was heartened to see that people from diverse political backgrounds, as Senator Durbin who is now supporting that report, as well as Senator Conrad and the Democratic side now joined by Senator Coburn and Senator Crapo, were able to say…

I'd just like to again conclude by expressing my respect and appreciation for the work that General Ham and Mr. Johnson did on this survey.