I believe the taxpayers pay our salary. I don't know that they need to pay our pensions.

My bill would link to the time of service required before a Member of Congress would be eligible for participation in the pension program.

To quote an old adage, why build one when you can build two at twice the price?

Permitting States to break their promises to bondholders would decrease investor confidence and hurt States' ability to invest in much-needed infrastructure.

Mr. Chairman, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy the frequent and pleasant verbal exchanges between you and the gentleman from Iowa.

Without a doubt--and you have touched on it, to some extent--the current economic crisis has altered the way that we view government intervention with business.

Mr. Chairman, don't ever offer us a chance to make an opening statement, because we will grab the mike without exception.

I guess, Captain, probably the most famous quote of 2009 will be the calmly spoken phrase, 'We are going to be in the Hudson.'

I will be very brief with my opening statement. It is my belief, Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member, that these ruthless acts of piracy must be addressed and resolved because it poses a threat to maritime around the world.

I'm voting 'aye' today and it may be politically damaging. And the sky may fall tomorrow, but it'll fall upon my head. It won't fall upon at anyone else.

I'm voting aye today, and it may be politically damaging. And the sky may fall tomorrow, but it will fall upon my head. It won't fall upon anyone else.