I think it's just absolutely critical that we move forward with this thing.

I am happy to join my three Senate colleagues from Wisconsin and Minnesota in cosponsoring this bill.

I would never propose anything that would harm----

This truly is a bipartisan effort. I think that's a good thing.

I would suggest that potentially this Committee issue a letter to these agencies and ask them and request them to prioritize essential services just in case this debt ceiling does not get increased so that we can avoid a crisis in case that happens.

I am just highly concerned that if nobody is looking at this now, we will be in a crisis if we do not increase that debt ceiling.

I think the Congress ought to start by asking hard questions where there have not been evaluations and a lot of money is being spent.

I am every bit as concerned and alarmed about these two Executive Orders as you and I hope the Administration rethinks those very rapidly.

Congress would have the ultimate decision.

I think that is a very irresponsible assumption.

So again, I am concerned that we are trying to fear-monger here, we are trying to scare the American public, and if we plan for this, it would not be pleasant, but it would not have to be a crisis if we plan.