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My work in the House of Representatives, at this time in my life, is completed. It is time to return home.

I've actually cut my personal pay individually; we didn't vote on that, but I've done that individually. It's important that folks know that we're going to roll up our sleeves and work on things, and members of Congress are going to sacrifice our own budgets first.

If things go right, maybe I'll chair the Appropriations Committee.

But, you know, all I can do is submit my budget and then make the case to the Legislature to act.

As a state senator and then a congressman, I've had the privilege of trying to do good things for people to whom I owe so much and can never fully repay.

I've been in Congress 14 years. I've been on the Appropriations Committee in which we are in charge of trying to move legislation.

There are bills being discussed to raise the amount that Members of Congress pay in to their benefits and I support these pieces of legislation.

All I'm doing is I'm filling out my tax returns - or my accountants are, and I'm paying whatever I'm supposed to pay, though I'm giving away a large amount of the money and that probably lowers my tax rate because I'm giving away so much money. But change the law, but don't blame me for the law. I'm not writing the law. I didn't write the law.

When I write, I don't allow the fear of consequences to interfere with the writing process. I have in the past paid for my commitment to the truth and the way I live my life. I am prepared to pay more if I have to.

Anything my staff does in my office is pursuant to congressional rules.