Jeff Bingaman

“Today, energy prices are at historic highs. Some analysts estimate that energy price shocks this year could cost American consumers more than $40 billion. Speaking very frankly, we cannot afford this kind of expense.”

“Social Security is not a retirement savings plan; it is a social insurance program. It's a contract that says, as a society, we will look out for you and your family when you can no longer work.”

“The United States is the most innovative country in the world. But our leadership could slip away if we fail to properly fund primary, secondary and higher education.”

“Clearly, we need to have the very best advice and counsel on what actions can be taken to help lower the cost of gasoline.”

“I've voted in some cases to remove and reduce tax breaks for the oil industry in other cases I've voted not to because I felt that the proposals covered too much.”

“People should not be imprisoned without having the ability to challenge the legality of that imprisonment.”

“This is not a time to back away from the principles that this country was founded on.”

“I am not opposed to the limited use of polygraphs in a case where a person is suspected of wrongdoing. But widespread use of the polygraph as a screening tool goes far beyond what is acceptable.”

“I support concrete and progressive immigration reform based on three primary criteria: family reunification, economic contributions, and humanitarian concerns.”

“I never considered the move to Washington to be a permanent move.”

“I hope that in future Congresses there will reemerge a recognition that climate change is a reality, that our policies to meet our energy needs must also deal responsibly with environmental issues, including the damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions.”