Americans are not saving enough for retirement.

The American Dream I believe in is one that provides anyone willing to work hard enough with the opportunity to succeed.

I had a serious childhood illness - sort of like spinal meningitis - that led to a three-month hospitalization. Afterward, I couldn't be insured because of a pre-existing condition.

I have no idea what goes on in another person's mind. As a legislator, I need to be good at persuading people, counting votes and getting to 50 percent plus one. I don't go back and say, 'Why did this person get to the right position?' It's only, 'Are you yes or are you no?'

When I first ran for Congress in 1998, people counted me out.

I find it greatly disturbing that the Bush administration has used political and religious ideologies to influence national policy on science and medicine.