Congress is unable to do the work of the American people because too many politicians believe that compromise means capitulation.

One thing I've learned - and I've said this to Republicans and Democrats - is, bees cannot sting and make honey at the same time. They have to make a choice. Either they are going to be a stinger or a honey-maker, and I contend that honey is a symbol of legislation and, the nuclear language used by members is the stinger, and you can't do both.

We've gotten to the point now where Republicans and Democrats have nothing in common besides being members of the 'caustic caucus,' and we can't get anything done.

Community colleges need to be upgraded. We got to have training for real jobs. We've got a lot of jobs that are going unfilled because we don't have the technology in the heads of graduating college students to deal with them.

The truth of the matter is the tone is toxic here in Washington, and we have been exporting it around the country.

This deal is a sugar-coated satan sandwich. If you lift the bun, you will not like what you see.

First of all, do I think there's some racists in the Tea Party? Yeah. I'm an ordained United Methodist pastor there's some racists in the Methodist church. I don't know if there's a body that does not have some racists in it.

[Raul Castro] is one of the most amazing human beings I've ever met.

Social Security is a covenant that should not be broken.

There is more power in unity than division.

There are people walking around the streets of Kansas City who are unemployed, while one of our largest employers is not only sending jobs aboard, but then turning around and making a statement about preserving jobs.

God did not burden the United States with a diversity of backgrounds, ideas and religions, He blessed America with them.