"the system is going to become insolvent sometime within the next half century."
"We need to have a serious, honest conversation with the American people about these problems."
"I want honest discourse. That is exactly what we need."
"I think I deserve a vote. Everybody here deserves a vote."
"these programs are growing at such an unsustainable rate that they will crash the economy, bring insolvency, and give us a debt crisis."
"Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security are very important programs that provide health and retirement security to millions of Americans."
"I urge you to be bold in developing your FY 2012 Budget Resolution and I am happy to assist in any way I can."
"This idea is a bold idea. The Chairman's idea."
"If Congress wants to avoid defaulting on federal health and retirement programs, it must advance solutions."
"the time for that conversation is now--and I firmly believe the American people are ready for it."
"The Affordable Care Act will begin to bring down the per capita costs of health care throughout the system--including in Medicare."