Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I just want to briefly respond to the Senator from North Carolina. I actually agree it would be a half measure to open the government for 24 hours; it would be a half measure to pass just CHIP; it would be a half measure to open the government for 72 hours, but the alternative is that we are doing nothing. Sure, it is a little goofy to keep the government open for 24 hours as we negotiate. It is absolutely goofy. It is embarrassing. It is less embarrassing than actually shutting down the government while we negotiate. Opening the government for 72 hours, a little strange--not our highest watermark in terms of our legislative prowess. It is pretty embarrassing. What is more embarrassing? Shutting the government down. Passing CHIP after it has expired by consent, awful--not the world's greatest deliberative body's greatest moment. What is worse? Objecting to doing that. We want to make sure our Federal employees are made whole. I agree with the Senator from North Carolina, this is a half measure, but do you know what? If I am a Federal employee, I will take a half measure because right now we are giving them nothing. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Carolina.”