Mark Kirk

I think IPAB's future depends on the presidential election.

I hope we can reject the administration's proposal to zero out children's graduate medical education.

I hope we do not reinvent the wheel. I hope that in fact we reinvent nothing.

You have about a $580 million request to root out Medicare waste, fraud, and abuse.

Every group has concerns about funding levels for fiscal year 2011 and fiscal year 2012, but a growing concern for me is how the new census numbers will affect the formula funds we receive through programs like the Community Development…

But if we only targeted unpopular programs for spending reductions, we would do little to fight our out-of-control spending.

During first 9 weeks of 2011, Federal debt increased at an average of $35.6 billion per week.

Would you agree with me that the RTA and all transit authorities are best served by keeping politics out of their management?

It's my hope that we can come together to examine ways we can rein in spending and restore confidence in the dollar.

I fully recognize the economic impact of investing in infrastructure and one of the key reasons why I voted against the stimulus was that it focused too many resources on social spending in comparison to investments made in infrastructure.

During the first 9 weeks of 2011, Federal debt increased at an average of $35.6 billion per week.

This will not come easily, and will require shared sacrifice at every level of the Federal Government.

Every week, numerous housing and community advocates come to my office to discuss the future of HUD funding.

As a matter of principle, I am opposed to zeroing-out effective programs.

A policy of shared sacrifice will help us right our economic ship of state.

I applaud the Secretary for making some tough decisions in the fiscal year 2012 budget request.

We have overwhelming military advantage.

I'm concerned about, in the age of budgetary constraint, to continue your momentum in expanding the United States diplomatic footprint in China.

We're pretty proud of the USAID team in Benghazi right now and the support that you're giving, although I'm very worried about the sustainability of your effort.

I believe that when our diplomatic, aid, and military agencies operate jointly and seamlessly, that is the best way to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being well-spent.

I think military action, not necessarily boots on the ground, but military action.

We passed the Iran Sanctions Act. That was way back in 1996.

I think is entirely appropriate.

If we can't be tough on pirates on the open seas we can't be tough on almost anything.

I think it is an important piece of work.