We've waited a long time for this day, and the American people are entitled to know where their Members stand and why.

The Committee incorrectly assumes that BRAC program execution would be unaffected by the absence of advance appropriations.

It would be short-sighted to reduce the important Lands Legacy Initiative drastically.

For 34 years now, Medicare has been the cornerstone of our efforts to protect the health of the disabled and our seniors.

Today I want to talk to you about our Nation's duty to ensure that all America's seniors can enjoy their golden years as healthy as modern medicine will allow.

We know well the imperfect relationship that the United States and its Government has enjoyed with the tribal nations.

I think part of it is the—that's—I think we're doing what we should do, which is to keep plugging at the policy stuff.

The Government can no longer ignore them.

Government's role is to create the conditions for success.

We can have a tax cut, but if I announced... here's a sizable tax cut.

Yes, I think by most standards they've already been extended.

It gives us a chance to really do something important.

Today I asked you here so that I could announce the details of our plan to secure and modernize Medicare for the 21st century.

Life without Medicare is what we actually could get unless we act soon to strengthen this vital program.

We already have the plan to make it happen if Congress keeps its word.

I asked the American people instead to embrace a new way, something I called a New Covenant between America and its Government.

Irasema Garza, of Maryland, to be Director of the Women's Bureau, Department of Labor, vice Karen Beth Nussbaum, resigned.

T. Michael Kerr, of the District of Columbia, to be Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, vice Maria Echaveste, resigned.