Political Quotes

“Madam President, I understand that a couple of our colleagues are on their way, and I will yield to them if they get here as expected. In the meantime, I wish to share some thoughts with the Senate about the very complex and difficult duty we all now face, which is to agree to legislation that will reduce the deficit by at least $1.2 billion over the next decade. And, if we fail to do that, by the end of the year, huge automatic budgets in vital national programs, including in security, will take effect to meet the deficit reduction goal. Those automatic cuts would take an unacceptable toll on vital programs. I believe every Member of Congress must do their best to avoid that outcome, and that begins with the 12 members of the Joint Select Committee who have been given the assignment of crafting a plan for us to consider. Despite the difficulty, the task is achievable. We can reach our deficit reduction targets and help ensure fiscal stability while avoiding not only the damaging automatic cuts but also avoiding devastating cuts to defense, health, education, and other programs vital to America and to its families. Achieving this goal will require sacrifices. Everyone is going to have to contribute. But if all of us, every American, will make the sacrifices necessary, we can get this done. How can we do it?…”