Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, the Republicans' refusal to negotiate bipartisan spending bills has us standing on another shutdown cliff and, once more, relying on another Band-Aid funding bill. It is the same place we were 2 months ago when Congress voted to provide 2 more months for earnest negotiations. Since then, House and Senate Democrats put forth proposals, and Republicans put nothing on the table. As anyone who figures out their household bills every week knows, a table full of nothing doesn't keep the lights on, doesn't put groceries on the table. Nothing isn't going to put food in the refrigerator, and it certainly doesn't pay the phone bill or buy anyone's prescriptions. But that is what Republicans came up with in the last 2 months: absolutely nothing. It looks a lot like the solutions Republicans put forward to solve all of the problems American families face: nothing. They have no plan. So as responsible stewards, Democrats on the Appropriations Committee crafted yet another extension to maintain funding levels through February and ensure that our most urgent needs can be met. But working families, small businesses, and veterans can't live on temporary patches. They need the certainty that comes with passing a full appropriations package to create jobs, prevent future pandemics, and keep schools safe. We need an omnibus budget to safeguard our air, our food, and our water.…”