Given the daunting challenges that we face, it's important that president elect Obama is prepared to really take power and begin to rule day one.

American people aren't interested in the procedural analysis. What they want is an up and down vote. They deserve an up and down vote on health care.

Our whole philosophy is one of transparency.

No one will be forced to take the public option. The word option means choice.

I think, traditionally, when the federal government has gathered statistics, it's been done in silos, so every agency really focuses on the statistics that are important to agency.

The Recovery plan will put money in the pockets of the American worker, create and save millions of new jobs and invest in crucial areas such as health care, education, energy independence and a new infrastructure.

Women now make up approximately half of the workforce - very positive. Two-thirds of all families are either headed by a single-head of household or two working parents, and particularly in this economically challenging time, that second income is more important than ever. However, women are still only earning 75 percent of what men are earning.