Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to add my voice to those who have spoken on this Chamber floor this afternoon to express frustration and concern about where we are as our Federal Government seems to be moving inexorably toward a shutdown this evening. As I have worked hard with my staff here in Washington and at home to help them prepare for and explain to the people whom I represent what is going on here and why, I have struggled. I have genuinely struggled to understand why this impasse is leading, I think now inevitably, toward a government shutdown. I still remain hopeful we will be able to find some resolution in these last few hours. But I think it is critical the people of the United States understand the consequences of a government shutdown. This isn't just about sending home Federal employees. This is going to have a significant impact on our economy, on our recovery, on working families all over this country, and I think on our reputation around the world. At a time when many of us are standing up and saying the United States and our system of democratic capitalism is a model other nations should follow, our inability as a Congress--the House and Senate working together--to reach a responsible consensus on what we all agree is one of our top priorities is profoundly frustrating to me.…”