Bob Menendez

I am not sure that constantly quoting the Libya model is the diplomatic way to try to get to the results that we seek in North Korea, because that did not work out too well for Gaddafi.

The art of diplomacy is a lot harder than the art of the deal.

40 years later, African American families and Latino families are still disproportionately discriminated against, and so something is wrong.

I think a tight labor market, forcing employers to offer higher and more competitive wages normally, that is not what we are seeing.

It is critical that your decisions be guided by the Federal Reserve's dual mandate and remain independent of any political pressure or interference from the Administration, this one or any other.

I just find it interesting that some of us consider a $2 trillion tax bill, unpaid for, largely focused on corporations as an entitlement, as well.

I am very troubled about an administration that is proposing significant reduction to development funding.

I think the legislation is correctly written today, which it emphasizes, gives priority to poor, developing, transitioning countries.

There are important development projects in the world that would not meet the matrix that OPIC puts out.

My job here, as a United States Senator, is to promote the national interests of the United States, the national security of the United States, and development policy across the globe that pursues that national interest.

You have indicated an interest in pushing OPIC to do more deals in Latin America, something that I would like to see, as well.

We have come a long way from the administration's first budget, which--where the fate of OPIC was uncertain.

Because of stories like these, I have long advocated for multiple tools to pursue a comprehensive policy of economic statecraft.

Centuries of history have proved that using American resources to help other countries lift their citizens out of poverty, respond to disasters, and support private-sector growth directly contributes to prosperity and stability throughout…

It is critical that this committee maintains oversight over U.S. development efforts to ensure that they are effectively promoting our interests abroad.

Now finally, Mr. Kamin, your testimony notes that the costs the Trump tax bill made permanent are equal to the Social Security Trust Fund's entire shortfall for the next 75 years.

If you want to solve the budget problem, and you must, you have to look at those programs: Medicare and Social Security.

The Trump tax bill will add nearly $2 trillion to the national debt over 10 years.

Look, the rising costs of health care, prescription drugs in particular, have squeezed middle-class families, forcing many to choose between their mortgage and their medicine.

After all, misaligned incentives contributed greatly to the financial crisis and continue to affect bank conduct and behavior.

I agree with the conclusion of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission that... compensation and bonus practices... encouraged irresponsible risk taking.

Do you think additional Federal support would be beneficial to better support these types of activities?

Do you see value in these types of proactive analyses?

Unanimity here is important to the successful passage in the Senate, which requires a super majority vote for a treaty.

You have given me, Mr. Labarre, some ideas of how we might get things done in Washington.