Kent Conrad: “There is really no alternative.”

We admire that, and I can say on both sides of the aisle, people recognize the job he did as Budget Committee Chairman.

We did a whole series of things in our Social Security reform not to discourage people from working, but to encourage them to continue working if they are able to do so.

Social Security's financial challenge affects nearly our entire society, and the solutions will require a broad-based approach.

I thought he was an outstanding Committee Chairman, and my former intern has succeeded him in his Congressional seat.