The absence of diverse voices leads to policies and programs that adversely impact African-Americans.

I think calling what Paul Ryan is doing a 'budget' is lending some validity to it. It is not a budget. If it were a budget, he could justify his revenue projections, he could justify his cuts, and he can't. This is a scheme to rob the poor and give to the rich.

If leadership is something that is in-your-face, then that is a different type of leadership.

The Office of Congressional Ethics was created to provide more transparency in the House of Representatives. It was a commendable goal.

In Israel's short history, army commanders and the heads of the intelligence agencies have often advocated the use of force and in many cases showed contempt for the law and human rights. Political leaders have typically been more measured.

I don't go to the federal government and say, 'Fund my program.'

Common sense tells us that the government's attempts to solve large problems more often create new ones. Common sense also tells us that a top-down, one-size-fits-all plan will not improve the workings of a nationwide health-care system that accounts for one-sixth of our economy.

I know as well as anyone that the American people want to know that their hard-earned dollars are being spent wisely by government officials.