The fact is that a lot of the spending increases came during the Bush administration. Two unpaid for wars we got ourselves engaged in. A prescription drug plan that added enormous amounts to our spending, and the tax cuts at the high end that did not create jobs and create revenue coming.

I don't have a nightlife. People say, "You need these cocktail dresses for all the receptions" - except I don't go, because we have no idea if we are going to be in session. But my husband has encouraged me to, shall we say, keep up with fashion.

We need major investments for rebuilding the infrastructure of America in a very forward-looking way that reduces our dependence on foreign oil. It is a commitment to innovation, to science, to keep America number one and competitive and grow our manufacturing base.

Take inventory of what you have to offer. Place a value on it. Respect it - because if you don't respect what you have to offer it's hard for other people to.

For three decades, Senator Arlen Specter served the people of Pennsylvania with independence, toughness, determination and an unflinching devotion to the best interests of his constituents and our country. From the committee room to the Senate chamber, Senator Specter offered a voice of reason and passion in every debate - always willing to reach across the aisle and work across party lines to get the job done, regardless of political gamesmanship or gain.

I do trust that the president is sincere in understanding that the public supports - that overwhelmingly the public supports - not sending these young people back. It was interpreted by some that we had a deal on the deal. But that wasn't on the package. We had an agreement to move forward, in our view, with the DREAM Act as a basis for how we protect the DREAMers and for further discussions on what provisions relating to the border might be in an accompanying bill or whatever as we go forward. So I trust the president in that regard.

For our daughters and our granddaughters now, the sky is the limit.