I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to preserve the Social Security promise that provides secure retirement benefits for all, especially those who are most at risk such as widows, orphans, and people with disabilities when the need arises.

African American children can't be educationally disadvantaged for 12 years and then experience a miracle cure when it comes time for admission into college.

Democracy derailed is democracy denied.

Now we are raising the debt limit 3 times, up to $8 trillion, so that our children and our grandchildren will have to pay for the cost of our expenditures.

Currently, more than 4.7 million African Americans receive Social Security benefits, and nearly 8 million people with disabilities depend on Social Security for their daily sustenance.

The Americans are optimistic by their nature. And they are hopeful.

While Social Security faces some long-term challenges, the system is not in crisis.