We are going to have to work towards the politics that permit the kind of civil debate to deal with these issues on a bipartisan basis.

If you have a tax that is taxing people into poverty, it is not a good tax.

We have to fill that space. I think the budget agreement at the end of last year gives us a period of time where we can make progress there.

The Earned Income Tax Credit was created in a Republican administration.

I have asked Treasury and the Fed for details about plans the agencies had to handle debt default.

the time has come for us to actually get this work done.

We have to be realistic about what the mix of revenue and spending is.

I think it has established a standard for bipartisan work in the Senate that I hope the rest of the committees will be able to live up to.

I recommend and support any efforts to clearly define, require, and enforce the application of parity laws.

In Baltimore City, we have developed a comprehensive overdose strategy that is based on the philosophy that every interaction with a person with substance addiction must be treated as an entry point for intervention and treatment.

I would ask that you continue to work with me on this issue as I continue to pursue a legislative solution.