Political Quotes

“Mr. President--I will reluctantly vote against the McConnell amendment. I am concerned that if this provision is included in this bill the President will veto the bill or it will cause delay in enactment of this important legislation that is imperative to saving lives in this country. This ISTEA legislation is a matter of life and death to Missourians. Highway fatalities in the state of Missouri increased 13 percent from 1992-95; 77 percent of the fatal crashes during this time frame occurred on two-lane roads. In Missouri, 62 percent of the roads on the National Highway System, excluding the Interstate, are two lanes. I have had too many friends die on Missouri's highways. We need to make certain that this legislation is enacted at the earliest possible date! I want to make clear that since I became chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business I have strived to make certain that government contracting opportunities are available to ALL small businesses. I know that the engine driving the economic growth of this country is small businesses. Small businesses and the entrepreneurs of this country, regardless of race or gender, should be given every opportunity to succeed. For example, last year this body passed the HUBZones legislation which I authored. It passed unanimously and has been signed into law.”