the debt has to be controlled, you are absolutely right.

In the short term, we have got to strengthen this recovery.

I believe that job creation is primarily a function of the private sector, but we can do things to provide incentives to them to help them in that effort.

Clearly, the Federal budget is on an unsustainable path, and while nobody can predict at exactly what point excessive debt would lead us to a fiscal crisis, we can all agree that we would rather not find out.

Senator Gregg and I, who joined together after 2 years of working together on a proposal, were delighted to get 53 votes in the Senate.

CBO told us phasing out the favorable tax treatment for health care, employer-based health care, is one of the most important things that needs to be done.

my understanding that the operations of those institutions are included in the CBO budget numbers now, but not in the OMB numbers.

The suggestion we do not have to do anything is just not being straight with people.

I absolutely respect his independence and his integrity.

I just want to make clear that this Committee fully appreciates not only your professionalism but your integrity.

Very few Senators dig into as many topics and as in-depth a way as Senator Wyden.

You are going to have to do something on the revenue side as well.