There is no question that we must do more to secure our borders - but how we go about securing them is also important.

On the mountains mistakes are fatal. In politics, mistakes are wounding emotionally, but you recover. Personally, wilderness helps me get back in touch with natural rhythms, helps me reflect and, in the process, restore my creativity.

I brag on the Democratic Party. We're libertarian on social issues, it's live and let live. Fiscally, we're conservative and responsible, and were environmentally conscious.

There is no getting around it; Congress is failing the American people.

There is no question that we must do more to secure our borders - but how we go about securing them is also important.

The new Congress needs to move quickly to strengthen the Army and Marines - not to send more troops to Iraq - but to rebuild our capacity to meet national security threats globally.

Reform is not for the short-winded. I'm committed to making sure the Senate is more than just a graveyard for good ideas.