"Congress has a responsibility to use every federal dollar efficiently to provide for the good of all Americans. I am committed to working towards a budget that helps maintain the economic well being and personal security of the folks I represent."

"The recently passed federal budget holds spending to a reasonable level while funding important priorities. One of the most important investments we can make is eliminating the national debt. Under the budget Congress passed, the debt held by the public will be reduced by $2.4 trillion by the year 2011. This budget will free up even more money for strengthening Social Security, Medicare and providing hard-working Americans with some tax relief."

"Health care, one of Congress's major priorities, will be funded at $1.9 billion in 2002. This includes funds to reform Medicare and add a prescription drug plan to help seniors with increasing drug costs. My colleagues and I also reaffirmed our commitment to save Social Security for our seniors today and tomorrow by making sure the $2.5 trillion Social Security surplus is OFF-LIMITS to other Washington spending."

"This is a responsible budget that focuses on securing long-term prosperity while addressing the most pressing needs of today."