But basically the $7,000 pays for the entire health care cost where the $4,500 is a wrap-around plan around Medicare.

OK. That is really all I have Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

We are really just robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Just a couple quick ones.

I worry about the projected growth of health care costs in a lot of these actuarial assumptions.

I learn a lot, and these are important issues.

I would really suggest you take a look at that GAO report.

What are they talking about there? I have never understood that.

Again, to me we are quibbling with details when you are talking about $96 billion--what difference would it make?

We agree that Medicare needs to be fixed. All we are asking for is a level playing field.

I think it is important to point out that additional cost is going to be borne within the Medicare system.

That would be a bright line problem, I mean, improper, if not illegal.

Congress needs to do to become far more effective and efficient in our oversight capability.

The Department of Homeland Security reports to over 100.

I think we have seen what I would believe would be improper contact between the Inspector General's Office and the General Counsel of the Department of Homeland Security.

if we can really have that cooperative relationship, and again, I have the greatest respect for Senator Carper and Senator Coburn

the problem--the reaction is a limitation of minority rights.

Turkey is--you know, from its position, strategically, as well as location, is incredibly important for us and for NATO.

I respectully disagree.

This type of open forum where Members ask questions and the nominee is given the opportunity to respond should be encouraged, not stifled.

I believe it would actually be irresponsible to leave the Department of Homeland Security without a permanent Deputy Secretary.

President Obama repeatedly promised that if we passed the health care law, the average cost of a family plan would decline by $2,500 a year by the end of his first term.

Premiums for family plans are up almost $2,500, according to a Kaiser study, and we can submit that to the record.

It's amazing how many decades have gone by without that reform.