Gov. Thompson, welcome. I also want to thank Sens. Dole, Kohl and Feingold for accompanying you, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Secretary Shalala for her devoted public service over the past eight years.
It is most fitting that we are starting the first health care hearing in the Finance Committee with Gov. Thompson's nomination because he represents a way of doing business that I hope will be our way also.
The people of Wisconsin know Gov. Thompson to be a problem-solver, focused on improving the lives of real people. And a large part of his success has been his extraordinary ability to stay in close touch with the people he serves.
It is my hope that the Finance Committee will also seize the opportunity to solve the very real problems that impact millions of Americans in this country. Modernizing Medicare and improving access to prescription drugs for seniors, reducing the 43.5 million uninsured in this country, improving health care in rural communities, and improving long term care, these are all priorities which I look forward to working closely with Gov. Thompson and my fellow colleagues on throughout this year.
Gov. Thompson brings to Washington a set of strengths and skills that are an excellent fit for his new responsibilities. In particular, his recognition and commitment to innovation. He has shown through his work on many issues, especially welfare reform, that he is not bound to old, tired approaches - but instead is focused on working together to develop creative solutions to tough problems.
Gov. Thompson has made remarkable progress in addressing the health care needs of families in Wisconsin. Successful programs such as Badger Care and Family Care continue to reflect his ability to reach consensus and implement concrete solutions.
Gov. Thompson also brings a well-earned reputation for effective administration and management of his state. As he assumes responsibility for crucial programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program, he brings a commitment to modernize and restructure to deliver a bigger bang for the taxpayer dollar and to respond to the realities of medicine in the 21st century.
Finally, the people of Wisconsin have emphatically endorsed Gov. Thompson's unmistakable bipartisan style, electing him four times. The presence here today of his Wisconsin colleagues, reaching across party lines, speaks for itself. Many of us here in Washington have a lot to learn from the all-embracing approach of successful governors such as Tommy Thompson.
We are in a unique situation here in the Senate, where bipartisanship can no longer be a hobby for a few of us. Instead it needs to be a way of life for all of us. The American people have demanded it and we have an obligation to respond.
Our goal for this hearing today is not to demand policy agendas or resurrect partisan campaign issues, but instead to get to know Gov. Thompson, and determine whether he fits the position President-elect Bush has so proudly nominated him for.
Tomorrow, a second hearing will be held in the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, so I hope this morning we can focus on the programs and activities within our Finance Committee jurisdiction.
Let me close by thanking Gov. Thompson for his willingness to serve. It is a major personal sacrifice on many levels. I also want to thank President-elect Bush for choosing such a qualified candidate, and for sending such a clear signal of his desire for problem-solving, innovation, effective management, and bipartisanship. Thank you.