Political Quotes

Jack Kingston: Well, I would say if the gentleman is saying it's an arrogant power grab, he certainly is accurate, and that's…

On the recordFebruary 24, 2010
Well, I would say if the gentleman is saying it's an arrogant power grab, he certainly is accurate, and that's apparently the model that he wants to have. The gentleman may also have quotes from Senator Joe Biden, who denounced using this nuclear option, as well as Harry Reid. When they were in the minority, I think they were right. When we were in the majority, I think we were wrong. I don't think you should do that. I think that it is a desperation thing. And if you can't get the requisite number of votes, maybe you need to start all over on the legislation. But you do have very strong, unequivocal statements by Senator Obama, candidate Obama, Senator Reid, Senator Biden and yet total hypocrisy, that's what it is, is hypocrisy at this point. The gentleman was talking about needing Republican votes. They do not need a Republican vote to stop anything or to pass anything. It's not just with this $950 billion health care bill; they could pass a jobs bill without a Republican vote. They could pass the tax-and-trade bill without it. They could get out of Iraq or Afghanistan without a single Republican vote. They could have energy independence without a Republican vote. They could pass that card check, that special interest bill for unions, without a Republican vote. Why aren't they doing it? I just think that they had no idea that America was not asleep at the wheel. They found out in Massachusetts, and they're scared to death, hey, this might not be an isolated election.
Said by
Jack Kingston
Georgia
Source
govinfo.gov
Feb 24, 2010

Editor's note · Context

The speaker criticizes the use of the nuclear option and discusses legislative strategies without Republican support.

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