"I hope Congress is going to act before November 30 to continue the extended unemployment benefits that are a lifeline for such a huge number of people."
"We're looking after the taxpayer here and that's what my friends on the other side who aren't here should read."
"Few, if any, of U.S. Senators in the last 50 years have done more, have labored longer in the vineyard of helping children and standing up for their rights... than Senator Chris Dodd."
"We are especially grateful he called this series of hearings to examine a set of issues that candidly, even in the party I am a member of, we do not spend enough time on."
"Though children make up a quarter of our population, out of every dollar spent by the Federal Government, less than a dime goes to children."
"As we chart our way out of the recession, it is essential that we reassess our priorities as they relate to children."
"the substance of your testimony today individually and cumulatively is very helpful because too often what happens in Washington is that you have a lot of bills..."
"Well, I know in our discussions yesterday, Senator Dodd and Senator Harkin and I were wrestling with, among others, these kinds of questions."
"Because of your hard work in the passage of the act, there are several deliverables on national strategies that I think you will be very proud of."
"Can we consult you, though, for free?"
"One is children's health insurance. Two is early learning. Three is nutrition and anti-hunger strategies, and fourth is just basic safety."
"the first recommendation they made to improve the number of 25- to 34-year-olds who have an associates degree or higher--recommendation No. 1 was to make preschool education available to all."