I think we are all in agreement that the long-term demographics and health care costs, and that is what we tried to deal with the Health Care Reform Bill, which CBO says will save us a $1 trillion in the second decade and almost $200 billion in the first decade.

Continued uncertainty about our economic future is hindering job creation today.

If we get this wrong, and if credibility is diminished because of these moves, and if expectations form around price increases, then we do have a big interest rate problem.

one of the best things we can do for short-term economic growth is to put out a plan that actually stabilizes our fiscal picture.

Nobody in this Congress should be playing political games when it comes to the full faith and credit of the United States.

I firmly believe that a course correction here in Washington is sorely needed to help get us back on the right track.

I don't know why those rules can't apply to government as well.

First, I want to applaud you, Chairman, for choosing to begin this year's budget season by focusing on our Nation's deficit and debt.

Now, many of us here have warned for years about the unsustainable trajectory of Federal spending growth, particularly that of our largest entitlements, and what it means for America's economic and fiscal future.

You have to do everything to get there.

I don't think we can go blindly and extend all the tax cuts. I think we need to think about whether that is the right policy and if so, how we would offset those costs.