Debbie Stabenow

I was very pleased years ago to be involved in authoring foster care reform in Michigan, and we continue to need to focus on children and the opportunity for giving them safe, loving homes.

The importance of this

We both share a desire to support end-users and to allow the system to be able to work in managing risk.

I have seen--I have visited a lot of school districts, some very creative, where you take the vegetable and you put green peppers and onion in the tacos...

Well, it is very impressive, what you have done, and when you look at the automated point of sale and the Statewide eligibility so that the schools do not have to be focused on that and it moves with the child, I just think that is really…

Our children's health and well-being really are at a crossroads.

I guess I am trying to put in perspective--I realize we are making changes in the last five years, and the behaviors are always hard to change...

On the other hand, we have situations where we do not want to add additional costs to the local schools...

I think that is always the juggling.

I know in the last bill that we did, having community eligibility put into place has made a huge difference in Michigan...

This obesity epidemic requires a serious commitment on our part.

Obviously, we want integrity in these programs and we want every penny to go to children who need it

I look forward to working with you on this important issue.

I am looking forward to working with you to reauthorize this.

I agree with you. In fact, Mr. Chairman, I am sure you have as well, but I have received communications from a number of countries actually that support our system.

Our Nation's farmers and producers grow the very best products in the world.

We have made great headway there. But 40 percent is in buildings.

We are pleased with the bi-partisan work in both chambers of Congress and remain hopeful this job killing tax policy will be repealed for good.

The medical device excise tax has been a devastating policy for patients, innovators and providers for years.

I believe needs to be made permanent. I think we have bipartisan support for that as well.

I am very proud of the fact that you both have access to affordable health care and that you are not being blocked because you have preexisting conditions.

I have to start, though, by saying, as somebody who wants to fix this, I have to get some facts out here on the record.

I have to say that when we look at, even in your own instance, a $5.9-billion revenue increase, 2014 gained 5 percent from the year before, and there is projected growth in 2015 of 4 to 6 percent.

Because of Medicaid expansion, over 11 million additional Americans have coverage now under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program.

We need to be very careful about not cutting Medicaid.