Political Quotes

“I commend the Senator and both sides of the aisle for their leadership here, and say as one who has fought hard and long with the Senators from Maryland, Connecticut, and certainly Senator Pryor and others for nursing home standards, we have to take care of our vulnerable populations. This is a big step forward. Mr. President, back in 1990, we passed a law in the reconciliation bill to enact basic health and safety protections for child care. That current law now requires providers receiving funds through the child care development block grant [CCDBG] to have basic health and safety protections in place. The Dodd amendment restores these basic health and safety protections which are otherwise repealed in the pending welfare bill. What do we mean by basic? Requirements regarding the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Building and physical premises safety. Minimum health and safety training. These standards ensure, for example, that children have up-to-date immunizations. That poisonous substances stay out of the reach of young children. That electrical outlets have plugs in them. Simply put, these basic standards reduce the numbers of accidents, incidence of illness, and safe childrens' lives. Mr. President, we are about to make major changes to the way welfare programs in our country are run. We hope that these changes will mean a lot more people will be getting off welfare and going to work.”