Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act. I realize that this legislation has stoked intense passions both among Members of this body and the public at large, and I would like to take a few moments to explain my thoughts regarding this legislation and my vote here today. I have served in this Chamber for nearly 30 years now. And during that time, I have frequently been confronted with the extremely difficult necessity of voting for legislation that, while deeply flawed, includes provisions that are incredibly important for the well- being of the American people. Today is no exception. Indeed, to say that the tax legislation we are voting on today leaves much to be desired is a vast understatement. There is quite a bit about this legislation that I find extremely objectionable. By extending tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, including the top 3 percent in our country for 2 additional years, what we are ultimately doing is driving our country deeper into debt with foreign creditors, forcing damaging funding cuts during already tight budgetary times, and increasing the burden of paying for our excess on our children and grandchildren. This legislation would also create generous new parameters for the estate tax, raising the exemption level to $10 million for couples and reducing the top tax rate to 35 percent--providing millions of dollars in tax breaks to the 39,000 wealthiest Americans.…”