However, I must express my disappointment that we are not gathered here to discuss the most pressing issue of the day, the ongoing debt ceiling negotiation.

It is not something that we should sweep under the rug or in some dark corner. We should face it, and face it head on.

I have been here for almost 25 years, and attended many hearings. But this has been one of the most painful.

The truth is that the agency's overpayment rate is extremely low.

Republican budget cuts are being used to put the Social Security Administration in a very bad light.

The agency needs more funding, more money, more staffing, more resources. It is that simple.

I believe that we need to fund the agency. Republican budget cuts harm beneficiaries, harm taxpayers, and harm the Social Security Trust Fund.

If nobody is ever punished for doing something bad or even chastised, they are just going to do more of it.

I must say that I am troubled. I am concerned by the current path of this Committee.

The earned income tax credit... encourages and rewards work and gives dignity to people who work hard each and every day.

Can I add something, Mr. Chairman, because it is an interesting line of questioning. There is a point we might want to put out in the open and I think if you would use your experience and the experience of other committee members with the…

Who is next? What else is on your list?