From blood banking to the modern subway, from jazz to social justice, the contributions of African Americans have shaped and molded and influenced our national culture and our national character.

Congress should be forward thinking in the policies we set, instead of waiting until catastrophe looms.

Our top focus - protecting our Nation - must go beyond homeland preparedness; America will only be secure if we deal with threats before they happen, not just after they happen.

America enjoys the best health care in the world, but the best is no good if folks can't afford it, access it and doctor's can't provide it.

It is our duty and our privilege to keep America moving forward.

The enemies of freedom will not prevail.

We are a strong, robust, and prosperous nation. Optimism is the essence of our success. It drives our creativity and emboldens our entrepreneurial spirit. It is what makes us invest in the future and accomplish our highest aims.