Tom Harkin

How we do that obviously can vary from time to time, generation to generation, but the idea that we are here to promote the general welfare as a Federal Government is clearly in the Constitution of the United States. Secondly, the Senator…

On why is it that we can't listen to people and come up with another approach on this rather than this chained CPI?

There is one last thing I would say. The Senator mentioned that we have a deficit. We do. We have to address it. We all agree with that. The Senator pointed out that the offshore haven businesses are not paying their fair share of taxes. I…

I don't know, but I have seen estimates up to $1 trillion for Iraq only. That was all borrowed money, so that has to be paid back.

So are we going to make the elderly, the poor, the students, and the veterans pay for that?

Would the Senator yield for a question? First of all, I thank my colleague from Vermont for being a strong voice on this issue and on so many issues that affect the elderly and especially our veterans. The Senator is the chair of that…

I was honored to recommend to the President that he nominate Jane Kelly to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Today I encourage my colleagues to vote for her confirmation, which will be the first vote at…

I am all for it. I think it's a great idea. I think what you've done is commendable.

Together, these investments will create long-lasting positive outcomes for families and provide huge returns for the children and society at large.

I'm deeply concerned by the President's plan to eliminate the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program.

In America, it's easy to be unhealthy and hard to be healthy.

I'm just talking about one program, the REACH program.

Robbing prevention when we know these efforts can improve people's health and lower healthcare costs goes against the very mission of healthcare reform.

This year, it is another $332 million raid.

I am sorry to say this Administration just doesn't get it.

First of all, it was a $5 billion raid last year on Prevention Funds.

I would just say I would like to see that happen before you start cutting the money.

I ask again, why are we zeroing out this program?

I am beyond upset--beyond upset--that the administration helped pay for the Affordable Care Act in fiscal year 2013 by raiding the Prevention and Public Health Fund.

I commend your leadership in pulling this together and starting this entity.

The Affordable Care Act, as Chairman Harkin recognized, is already benefiting millions of Americans.

I also want to especially thank the committee members for your support of our efforts to provide a safe environment for our unaccompanied children who enter our country.

So I have to ask, if the administration is truly concerned about bending the cost curve on healthcare, why would you eliminate a program doing such important and successful work?

This administration doesn't get it.

Our budget also addresses another issue that's been on all of our minds recently, mental health services and the ongoing epidemic of gun violence.