Political Quotes

“We find ourselves in a very strained and awkward position, and I want to make a couple of observations for the Senate from my vantage point regarding what Senator Lott is trying to do. Frankly, the Republicans offered an alternative today and had the full support of almost every single Republican. As I remember it, two Senators voted against it. It made the Republican case for real substantial entitlement cuts and for a moving toward a balanced budget in a realistic way. Senator Lott was there in the forefront supporting that. I believe what he is doing in his amendment should in no way detract from the fact that there is no stronger supporter for defense than Senator Trent Lott in this body. Whatever the interpretation of his amendment, it is because of the nuances and peculiarities of budget processes. The truth of the matter is that he clearly intends to reduce the deficit more than was done in the Budget Committee, and he intends to do it in a way which he feels very comfortable with in spite of his very strong feelings with reference to defense.”