there are 50 laboratories of democracy, let them go forward and experiment.

Rather than closing 3,000 or 4,000 post offices, you have come up with a way you can actually continue to keep post offices open

This situation is unacceptable. It is also avoidable and it calls for urgent action from Congress and the Administration.

The Chairman and I are committed to getting this done.

To summarize, Sections 301 and 206 should be stricken from the bill to restore the bill's focus on creating a streamlined, cost efficient, capable Postal Service to meet today's needs.

I am anxious to hear Senator Tester, his comments and his questions.

I think the Postal Service is clearly a viable, ongoing entity.

one of the things I think we are pretty much in lockstep on is the need to reduce our Nation's budget deficit.

We can always do everything better.

Tom Coburn and I have really tried to do that.

I am absolutely committed to the workforce of the Post Office to make sure that every commitment that has been made to their employees on retiree health benefits is kept.

What we have done in our legislation--the $40 billion that has been prepaid to meet this retiree health benefit?

But it cannot be, 'No.' It has to be, 'No, but here is a different solution.'

I want to thank Senator Johnson, who is faithful.

I have said we need entitlement reform that saves money, saves programs, does not savage old people or poor people.

I think it is a wonderful precedent for much of the rest of our government.

Congress should focus on the elephant in the room: The prefunding of retiree health care liability.

one of my top goals since joining this Committee has been to not just help the Postal Service get by, but to help it become strong again and remain viable for the long term.

My goal with this bill, and I believe Dr. Coburn's goal as well, is to enact a set of reforms that are fair to really three groups of people.

If it is not perfect, make it better.

I rise in support of the legislation coauthored by Senator Shaheen and Senator Portman, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act. I wish to take a minute to thank them for their leadership and for their tenacity in getting…

One of my hopes, one of my aspirations is that we can, by working together, learn as much as possible from the tragedy that occurred 2 days ago.

That is not only the secret for a long union between two people, it is also the secret to a vibrant democracy.

We were reminded this morning of the folks who have literally laid down their lives in service to our country.

I feel a sense of urgency and it is just important that all of us feel that sense of urgency.