I think the American people are far more focused on finding a responsible solution that will restore certainty to the market--uncertainty is not good--and growth to the economy.

We are a little nervous around here about the way money is being thrown around.

If something does not change, the taxpayers will have to just pick that up by higher taxes and more payments into the system.

I do believe that as Secretary of the Treasury, with the kind of power that you have, you need to get out of the campaign mode.

I have opposed some of the solutions that have been promoted under President Bush and that appear to be continued.

I do not think the present system is working. I do not think it is working well. But I have to tell you that I do not know how to fix it.

I think it is inevitable and necessary that we move to that, and I think it has the potential to avoid misprescribing of drugs and other things.

The example that we set by passing the stimulus package, $800 billion thrown together in a rush-rush manner with very few real amendments and that kind of thing was just stunning.

I was very troubled, and President Bush was criticized greatly for a $412 billion deficit in fiscal year 2004.

I agree, and I talked to a businessman recently and was shocked to see how severe he got caught in a financial situation.

There is no free lunch. Debts have to be repaid.

I can't fathom why they seem so obsessed to ram through this flawed bill that the American people overwhelmingly reject.

I think the president is wrong to push this piece of legislation so hard, after we have demonstrated the flaws that are in it. He needs to back off.

I don't think it was a small matter. And I think the attorney general -- I'm disappointed he didn't remember that in his statement.

Are you willing to use the courage and determination that you're famous for to stand up for our soldiers there?

If you bring in too much support it could erode or lessen the pressure on them to assume responsibility.

It seems that the threat is stepping up its pace.

But war requires leadership. Leaders make hard decisions. They accept responsibility for their decisions and we live with those decisions.

But I hope that you will not hesitate to insist that you obtain in a prompt timeframe the resources, the support, whether it be electricity or water or police or jails, that you will ask for even if it means other agencies may take it…

Better they do it imperfectly with their own hands than you do it perfectly with yours.

Would you agree that one of the key components of any success we might have in Iraq is to make progress in those areas other than just the military?

If this endeavor of a pluralistic democratic entity in Baghdad is going to survive, it's going to require political courage and leadership.

They're entitled to the best equipment, the best strategy--that's important, a good strategy--and execution of that strategy.

If a resolution is not going to help you be successful, why do we need it?

I think we are in a critical time. I believe the Defense Department fully understands it because their soldiers are at risk every single day.