Rob Portman

The other issue that is huge in Ohio right now is the idea of these Asian Carp coming up into the Great Lakes.

This is the amendment I spoke about a moment ago to ensure a better response for victims of child sex trafficking. Amendment No. 271

I think we have a window of opportunity here with Democrats and Republicans alike interested in this issue.

There has been a lot of discussion today about whether we have too many regulations and what the impact is.

We are under-investing in our infrastructure. That has effects on efficiency and growth over time.

We have been talking about labor force participation rates. And technology and the technological requirements of skills are changing.

We have cut that way back, and we continue to threaten that.

Which is so badly needed right now.

So I think overwhelmingly the evidence is that the benefits would go to workers, not 100 percent, but 70 percent by the CBO study is probably about right.

We are getting left behind. We are on the sidelines just watching this happen.

We all want to see an economy where there are rising wages, and, unfortunately, that is not happening now.

You cannot find American beer anymore because the largest market share is Sam Adams with 1.4 percent.

Those unemployment numbers are clearly unacceptable, and that is why we need tax reform, because it is one thing that can actually give the economy a shot in the arm.

I completely agree with the notion that we should be assessing our macroeconomic policy and the composition of our fiscal policy.

We need to focus on both the tax side and the spending side on research and development.

We ought to be taking advantage of that.

We would like that support, but we really, really need the support in the budget.

I think it is an opportunity in this budget for us to try to make progress.

I do think that currency manipulation does affect trade.

It is just tougher to compete.

American workers who are taking the brunt of it.

I believe these statements and data clearly illustrate that Part D has been a success.

It is time to deal with it in a comprehensive way.

It is very important to get the evaluation right.

Honestly, it is health care. Health care is driving these long-term projections that are simply unsustainable.