Roland Burris

I know you will maintain that record as Secretary of the Navy.

I just hope that you all are prepared... it is like trying to turn a battleship around.

If we aim to build a 21st century organization, as you said, VA will need to adapt quickly to various needs that arise.

I would just like to check with Mr. Baker and see if when he becomes confirmed, he will definitely look at the information that is being misplaced and lost and records cannot be found.

We will have to find a reason to extend the time, because given the current planning, some of them may have to stay on.

Just to congratulate our new nominee, and we are going to make sure she gets confirmed, sir.

Would you be able to assist in any way in your capacity, should you be confirmed, in seeing whether or not we can get that hospital in Joliet turned into a veterans hospital?

I can think of no candidate more deserving of this position or more qualified to help lead the Department of Veterans Affairs than Major Tammy Duckworth.

Please go in there and be committed to our men who made this country what it is.

If you are among the many in Illinois who are disheartened by the cloud that hangs overhead and darkens our state's image, I ask that you join me in remembering the old saying, it's always the darkest before the dawn.

I never gave anything to Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich in exchange for his appointment to the U.S. Senate.

That same committee later voted unanimously to recommend the Illinois House of Representatives impeach Blagojevich.

Certainly no pay to play involved, because I don't have no money.

Sir, what is your expectation?

I am currently the junior senator for the state of Illinois.

I welcome the challenges that await us in the 111th Congress.

I welcome the challenge that awaits us in 11th Congress.

The evidence that has been presented is pretty appalling, should that come out to be the case on what our governor was attempting to do. I find it just reprehensible.