if we want to create jobs, if we believe that education has some role in creating jobs, which I do, then I would not want to be the Congress, again only one other Congress went down $100. But for us to reduce it by $845 is really a shame and embarrassment.

I would just say to my colleagues that to me, the most important thing is helping our young people get that education.

I believe that people who disagree on this issue can and should do more to prevent unintended pregnancies.

At the London Conference in 2010, the United States and the international community agreed to work to provide up to 50 percent of donor assistance directly through mechanisms of the government of Afghanistan.

While nothing is a panacea in the development world, education, in my judgment, is the closest thing we have.

I envision this economic development project with the school, with a health center, with literacy programs and food programs.

Given the budget crunch, and given the bipartisan focus on making every dollar count, I think this kind of information is absolutely essential for those of us who believe in the important work that you and your agency are doing.

Thirty years ago, President Reagan affirmed that international financial institutions, and I quote, 'have contributed enormously to the spread of hope of a better life throughout the world community.'

It is critical to leverage every cent of taxpayer dollars and demonstrate it is spent effectively and efficiently.

It is very important across these institutions, again, that we meet the commitments we make because if we don't, we will lose influence.

It makes no sense for us to put ourselves in that position.