Mark Kirk

I would just worry that in the cases of the United States and India, it is the government that is going to screw this up.

I think this framework is essential, and it would include as a critical element, I think, embracing the principle of and working toward or at least initiating preparatory work toward a free trade agreement in the future.

I have long felt that the best way out of Afghanistan is through New Delhi, is to have a military alliance with India.

I think already Israel is--or India----It's a tremendous alliance.

As Senator Kirk mentioned as well, India's military and interior forces are more and more engaged in certain levels of civil unrest.

That, I think, is strongly against the interest of my State.

I think the U.S.-India relationship has a key role to play in keeping China tethered to the multilateral system and in more generally ensuring China's peaceful rise.

Ain't democracy grand?

I want to first thank Chairman Johnson and Ranking Member Crapo for holding such an important hearing on the solvency of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

While the goal of home ownership is laudable and does help promote financial stability, we have all seen the adverse effects of an over-stimulated housing market.

With the Nation facing a critical shortfall in infrastructure funding it is important that the Federal Government explore ways to encourage private investment in infrastructure projects.

I think we ought to call a human rights abuser a human rights abuser.

My hope is that we can call these guys for what they--what unites these two cases is that both Khomeini and Ahmadinejad ordered the actions which killed Neda and put Nasrin into Evin prison without her kids.

The next Commerce Secretary must also work to create a more business-friendly environment.

I am very enthusiastic for Penny's nomination. I have seen her as a voice for business that the President will have to heed.

Should she be confirmed, I hope that Ms. Pritzker will be a strong voice on the President's Cabinet for lowering regulatory burdens, lowering tax rates on businesses large and small, and promoting job creation in the private sector.

I believe we must have a Cabinet official who is strongly committed to economic expansion, trade promotion, and policies that strengthen our competitiveness.

I do not think I have ever seen actions by the U.S. Senate that have been so effective against a rogue nation.

I'd like to focus on Pacific lay-down, like the President has been focusing on.

When you mentioned the KC-46, I instantly focus on Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.

I am thrilled that you are convening this hearing, and this is my first appearance as a Ranking Member.

I think it is completely reprehensible to have an Air Force that doesn't fly and a Navy that doesn't sail and an Army that doesn't train.

I want to make sure that it is typhoon hardened as well and we don't lose an asset like the B-2 that is essential to our diplomacy to calm the Koreans down.

Only in the Government could a base closing exercise end up overrunning its budget.

I hope, since we have very high level people here, to say to my colleague from Colorado that I was a very minor part of the U.S. delegation to the Kyoto climate change negotiations.