My perception is that we're making considerable progress. But not as much progress as we thought that we would make.

And the provision included to offset the cost of these programs recognizes that taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for certain lifestyle prescription drugs through Medicare and Medicaid.

I hope, sitting in the marble palace, you'll remember that I have great pride in the success of the False Claims Act.

Negotiators need to keep the focus on the biggest issues that are clogging up the works. At the top of this list is market access for agriculture.

The American taxpayers have spent a lot of money on this report and they deserve the right to see it.

I have respect for these evangelical leaders, but sometimes they aren't very politically sophisticated. Sometimes they talk more than they should. And sometimes some of them want to leave the impression that they're big shots close to the seat of power.

The only thing that's going to be fatal to this nomination is how she performs before the committee.

A little research can go a long way to stopping the con artists who try to turn this tragedy into a profit-making venture. By making sure a charity checks out, those who are giving can make sure their valuable contributions reach the countless victims of this devastating natural disaster.

Money is wasted or lost to fraud, and quality of care can be jeopardized when products and services come from con artists rather than qualified suppliers.

We did not find anything alarming enough that required additional follow-up beyond what law-enforcement agencies are already doing.

Selling drug secrets violates a trust that is fundamental to the integrity of both scientific research and our financial markets.

It is difficult to understand why an entire board would need to travel from New Jersey to the Grand Cayman to discuss improving quality of care for [Medicare] beneficiaries, but I am eager to receive your detailed and documented explanations.

Complacency by the watchdogs hurts both taxpayers and beneficiaries.

I've seen this office become involved in many questionable projects despite strong and persistent opposition from senior staff. It appears to me that this has created a lack of respect and trust, and has resulted in an ineffective Office of the Inspector General.

This legislation extends very important benefits for people who live on the edge of poverty.

The only thing that's going to be fatal to this nomination is how she performs before the committee. If she performs all right, then she's obviously going to be approved. But if she doesn't perform well, she probably won't be approved.