Pat Roberts: “Let me say, with regards to those proposed cuts not in this room, not on my watch, not on the watch of many of us here…”

His brand of unconditional cordiality is increasingly rare, and this institution sure could use a lot more of it.

Unions and collective bargaining helped create in our country the middle class and helped millions of families become economically secure today.

All of us look forward to working with each of you in a bipartisan way, both sides of the aisle.

I hope we do not stumble on it, and that is to somehow get back engaged with TPP.