Political Quotes

“I was going to wait until the House actually sent over this extension before saying anything, but I was so impressed with Senator Durbin's explanation that I felt I should come to the floor and thank him so much. His leadership on this and also, Madam President, your deep concern for your State, which actually has the largest job loss numbers because they are being very conservative about what they do on the ground--not everybody understands the way the transportation programs work in our States. The Federal Government pays for about 75 percent of many projects and the State pays 25 percent. But the States go out and they front the money and then they bill the Federal Government. Well, the signal that has been sent from the House today is a disastrous signal because it is a signal to all of our States that they better beware because there is no guarantee they will ever get those funds back from the Federal Government. You know, I love it when we make history here, but I love it when we make good history here. Today, by the House's action, I believe they have become the first House of Representatives ever to allow this highway trust fund to go bankrupt because right now the fund is not sufficient and has to be filled.…”