Congress suffers a great deal of criticism for its partisan acrimony. But while we may disagree politically, and air our opposition in this chamber, it is the conversation behind the scenes that cements and defines our relationships.

Our country also hungers for leadership to ensure the long-term survival of our Social Security system. With 70 million baby boomers in this country on the verge of retirement, we need to take action to shore up the system.

I have long believed taxpayers make better use of their money than the government ever could.

Congress can't take the year off, election or no election.

I think when you've been in office for a long time, you have a record, and that record is fair game.

The traditional role of the Senate has been to be the adult in the room.

People can't imagine an enemy that would cut someone's head off before a video camera and spread it out across the world. But that has happened with the kind of enemy we are now facing.