If there are those in the industry that are not yet serious, they are making a very big mistake.

If the Senator will yield, I have always refrained from using the word ``retire'' because I can't sit around very much. So I don't intend to quit working. But I am not seeking reelection, the Senator is correct about that. This is a great…

Mr. President, there has been a lot happening in this country with respect to politics and the economy over these past months, and I know there is great angst and concern across this country. There are questions: When will America get the…

Let me start with some good news because we almost never hear good news these days in America. All the news in America is about what went wrong, the old saying about bad news is that it travels halfway around the world before good news…

How do we fund the research now that's necessary over the longer period to find ways to decarbonize the use of coal?

I've said quite often, and believe deeply, that the United States has an opportunity to show leadership in this area.

Well, I understand--from an organization, and from heading an organization, I understand what you're saying, and I admire that.

I guess I'm wondering, with all these agencies--sixteen and eight and three, or whatever--is there somebody that's sitting around...

The question with all of this, for me, is, where does the buck stop with respect to these failures?

Unfortunately, for my entire time in the Senate, we have not been able to address this crisis.

I think revenue has to be on the table.

We have an extraordinarily inefficient system that is hemorrhaging revenue to offshore tax havens.

The problem that we confront is where we are headed. Where we are headed is towards unsustainable debt.

Congress has failed to balance our budgets and stop our rapidly-climbing debt, a $1.4 trillion deficit last year, over $12 trillion in terms of our debt limit.

The American people have to believe that whatever is proposed is absolutely bipartisan and fair.

Senator Collins, there is a third commission approach that has been proposed by our colleagues.

I think if any structure that is put in place that does not assure an up or down vote on the recommendations is highly unlikely to succeed.

The systemic risk is the Congress. It is that simple.