Mark Udall

I had a big one in Durango that went very well, given there were only 18 state troopers, sheriff deputies and multiple police there to protect me and everybody else from themselves.

I think that we all agree as Americans there's a value that every one of us has a contribution to make throughout our lives and we would also, I think, agree that you measure society by how it treats its least fortunate and most vulnerable…

That term is useful, all ages in the senior spectrum. That's an important way to put it.

He was quite an American.

I know history, I'm going to editorialize here, history will show what the Congress did over this last year in broadening coverage, including every American, in our healthcare system with the intent of maintaining quality and driving down…

I do not like the phrase and it's coined from the sense that the resources that we will need will be this huge burden that will engulf us as we address the needs of the baby-boomers.

One of the interesting developments, although it's not reached the level of large-scale development, is some seniors moving to towns east of Denver because they're safe communities.

It's imperative to be successful in delivering services to seniors that those systems work together.

Any other members of the panel want to comment on this dual cohort dynamic where we have parents of seniors who are part of the OAA needs?

I think that you're right, that the baby-boomer generation has an opportunity to give back to a very rich back nine of life, if you will.

I'm very appreciative that the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Herb Kohl from Wisconsin, has loaned me his gavel to bring the focus of this panel back home to Colorado.

I just think basically we use the term all across the senior spectrum.

At some point we'll be gone and you'll have America all to yourselves, but in the meantime we are quite a cohort.

If the nation's goal is to help seniors live at home, then their engagement in their communities will be dependent upon a transportation system that probably needs to also be innovative and involved.

I can come see you at a closer venue, if you need more engagement in D.C., and quite willing to come to Colorado.

I want to welcome all of you in the audience. We're going to have a very informative hearing, of that I have no doubt.

There's also an opportunity to be of public service, dedicate yourself to causes greater than your own self interests.

You recommend that the President try naming lead departments and establishing interagency teams.

Climate change and energy are two key factors that will play a significant role in shaping the future security environment

Did your panel consider that aspect of the QDR report, and, if so, did you reach any conclusions about the current DOD activities in this regard?

The panel views the present organization of Congress as being inefficient because its organization precludes the ability of Congress to harmonize its decisions relative to a host of national security challenges.

With regard to cybersecurity, you specifically recommend the establishment of a special committee with members drawn from Armed Services, Intelligence, Judiciary, and Homeland Security because cybersecurity cuts across all of the…

The benefits, as they are now established, will simply be unaffordable to go on into the future.

I am convinced DOD will lead us toward more energy security and new technologies, if we provide them with the support and the interest.

I think there is a terrific opportunity in the Senate in the ratification process to address these bipartisan concerns.