Susan Collins

It would be helpful to me if you take a close look at the recommendations that were included in this report.

The Supreme Court has described the Social Security Administration's administrative process as 'unusually protective of the claimant.'

As Dr. Coburn has reminded us, the trustees of the Social Security system project that the disability insurance component of the trust fund will be exhausted in the year 2016.

I just hope you will make this a priority.

We want to make sure that individuals who are unable to work... receive their benefits and do so promptly.

I believe that there are very serious fairness and fiscal issues that are at stake.

There just seems to be a vagueness in the system right now.

That is part of accountability, and it also serves as deterrence.

I think one of the big problems that has not been resolved since that Fortune article from 1955... is that we really have not built the strong accountability and transparency systems.

I think you said that there have been recoveries of $1.9 million, which is a considerable amount.

I believe the contract to the resort at which the infamous conference was held was a sole-source contract.

My point is that it is not as if there are not systems in place to try to put a check on excessive awards to individuals who have not warranted that kind of recognition.

But let us go to an SES employee. How could the Region 8 Pubic Buildings Service Administrator receive a bonus of almost $55,000?

I want to thank you for holding this important oversight hearing on the GSA, the agency that is the Nation's landlord for Federal agencies.

There did seem to be a pattern of extraordinary and uncontrolled overtime of employees working in one city but responsible for activities in another city and incurring incredible travel costs and per diem costs.

I, too, am hoping for better days, but my hope is tempered by the fact that these words were written in 1955, and yet here we are again.

. . . the last time officials should be exchanging business cards is in the midst of a crisis.

Reserving the right to object, it is my understanding that I am managing the time on the Republican side. I, of course, want to make sure that the Senator from Texas is treated fairly and is given an opportunity to present her views. But…

In my view, the report underestimates the importance of Chinese participation in future rounds of arms reductions.

This has to be a priority, and I know it is something you care a lot about.

Where do we find the common ground? Give us some advice on how to meld these together.

I cannot tell you how many chief information officers of major companies have come to me and said, "I know we need to invest in this area. We are so vulnerable. But we cannot get the attention of the chief executive officer."

Nearly 10 years ago, the creation of the Department of Homeland Security brought together 22 different agencies into a single Department to focus like a laser on protecting our country and its citizens.

Shame on Congress if we do not take steps now to try to avert a cyber 9/11.

I do think the intelligence and information-sharing piece is priority No. 1.