Players have a great deal of flexibility when conducting diplomatic relations with their allies.

We all read news stories about the difficulties and tensions that the United States has with our allies and even with coalition partners in Iraq, but we rarely read about the good news.

Japan continues to work closely with the United States on the issue of the North Korean nuclear crisis and has played an important and constructive role in the Six-Party talks.

While I recognize the great value and importance of prescription drugs and strongly support a continued U.S. focus on pharmaceutical research and development, our nation's seniors cannot be asked to subsidize the drug costs of other wealthy industrialized nations any longer.

While nothing is certain, I firmly believe our nation is on the verge of a nuclear energy renaissance.

While most Americans have access to the best oral health care in the world, low-income children suffer disproportionately from oral disease.

Ultimately, China may use force to push for unification with Taiwan, a scenario we all must work to prevent.