Mike Johanns actually said...

Let me be very clear: We need to meet our obligations and not create any uncertainty that we will do so--on time, every time.

Default would also put the United States in the category of reckless debtor nations that have broken their word in the markets.

Ordinary Americans will bear the brunt of the damage if our leaders do not prevent the United States from defaulting on its debt.

I want to make certain that in any GSE legislation we are not committing the mistakes that have been made in the past.