I particularly want to just underscore the challenge you're going to have in the Middle East between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

One week from now, we will be heading to the platform for the inauguration of President-elect Obama.

I think you are a high-altitude, high-achieving guy, and I think you will absolutely lead our Department of Education.

Could you work with us to identify those things where it is too many good-old micro line-item programs?

I believe that is how we will be able to deliver for the American people.

I want you to know, Senator Enzi really helped me be able to work on a bipartisan basis to be able to do that.

I am concerned that we may not have enough direction from you now as to what is necessary.

The economic engine of America in creating new jobs is small business.

I believe if you use current values for President Clinton's health care proposal, it would probably add up to about $1.1 trillion.

I hope that our investment includes public transportation, because if we can get people to work quicker and friendlier...

We currently spend twice as much as comparable countries spend on health care and we don't have the results to reflect that type of investment.

I think some of us question whether there is enough room in the budget outline you have proposed.

I would feel more comfortable if I knew that if through this open process banks do not meet reasonable expectations government is prepared to exercise sanctions against them.

You have said that Congress did the right thing in giving the President the tools to deal with the financial crisis, including the TARP funding.

I urge you to have transparency as this is developed, because there are some good ideas out there.

I encourage you to establish reasonable goals as to how we can wean ourselves off of imported energy sources, particularly oil.

I think it is desperately needed.

We need their help, and they really do believe government aid is primarily directed at large corporations.