I believe that politics is a good thing for America, not a bad thing.

This matters. And I believe we're right.

We could no longer participate in a kind of unspoken deal with the Republicans.

I believe that on that score, Mr. Trimble is satisfied in these talks with whatever commitment is made.

It would be terrible to let it come apart now, before we get to see and feel how it really works.

We can now, and we should.

I always love to come back to Connecticut.

This is a better country than it was in 1992.

We've been through a lot as a country in the last several weeks.

Let me also join Joe and Beth in thanking Fran and Sandra for being so wonderful to us.

The next elections matter.

I'll do whatever I can to help.

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

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

Paul W. Fiddick, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, vice Wardell Clinton Townsend, Jr., 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.

I think that those of us who work here now will be judged, however, primarily by whether we choose to seize this opportunity to ensure your future.

This is not only a good thing to do ethically; it is also good economics.