...I will not be silent any longer.

Leading is not hypothetical debating; it's about solving real problems.

I was part of the gang of eight in the house in 2013 that was working on comprehensive immigration reform. We talked a lot about border security and what was effective and what was not. Walls are not effective when you`re out in the desert and you don`t need them.

Taking responsible steps to reduce poverty is not merely a moral imperative but an economic one.

The only thing I heard Speaker [Paul] Ryan say that made sense was, we actually really need to look at this and see what makes sense and what doesn`t, because electronic detection in those kind of - and drones and other types of border protecting devices seem to be much more effective in certain places.

I know that in the battle of ideas, Republican politicians are at a distinct disadvantage. Their fundamental philosophy - which I characterize as survival of the fittest, richest and whitest - is too callous for most Americans.

Actually we're not hearing a lot about gas prices right now from constituents. And I think that reflects a growing understanding on the part of the public, that there really is very little that the government and politicians can do.