unless we get this right in this committee, but more directly and more in a more determinative way in the Finance Committee, and I favor the lifting of Medicaid to a 150 percent of poverty, but even just by doing that, we could put some…

the rule ought to be here four words when it comes to poor kids and kids with special needs: no kid worse off, no kid worse off.

We've had very good discussions--and Senator Casey, who was here earlier on today, has been partner in a bipartisan bill to try to reorganize our food programs.

These are the realities in the world that is facing climate change.

I just want to try to reduce this to something that is manageable, in the understanding of all of us, as to why this is important.

$12 billion later, largely without conditionality, it may not have worked for them, but it certainly didn't work too well for us.

We've spent $12 billion, and we have very little to show for it.

I wanted to raise one other related issue, and that's the question with regard to funding for the Pakistani Atomic Energy Commission and their nuclear security efforts.

I don't think there's a better investment that we could think of in this part of the Federal budget because of the dire need that we have for more Foreign Service officers.

we want to especially thank you for the great leadership you've provided at a time of real danger and uncertainty around the world.

What I'm looking for is a sense--a certainty of a strategy that will take this money and put it to good use.

After 6 years of efforts by the United States and Pakistani Governments, al-Qaeda had regenerated its ability to attack the United States.

The effects of the crisis are somewhat mitigated as families in Mardan and surrounding area take in some of the refugees into their homes and guesthouses.

We all recognize the potential for alienation and extremism that can arise when refugee populations endure for extended time periods.

I do believe that the past is prologue, unless we change it.

I was struck by a line from your written testimony, when discussing the overarching priorities of the Kerry-Lugar bill.

As civilians flee the Pakistani Army offensive in the Swat Valley against Taliban extremists, the seeds of a future crisis are being planted.

It's those concerns that led Senator Harkin and myself to ask for a Government Accountability report.

I'll tell you, that's a great candy-coated way of describing a terrible economy.

That alone is disturbing, because we keep hearing these commentators talking about the fact that there may be parts of the economy that are improving.

Dr. Hamburg, thank you very much for your willingness to serve. I want to commend you and your family for taking on this responsibility.

I have worked with Chairman Kerry in encouraging the State Department to reduce the role of PSCs.

Let me say, in conclusion, two things--one is, this committee--I'm not a member, but I know something about what this committee's been doing--has been trying to give the Commission a lot more resources, a lot more help.

I have expressed my strong concern over the excessive use of PSCs, especially in Iraq.

Well, in my judgment, they're not doing enough. So, we'll keep after them.