Political Quotes

“I rise in opposition to the Feingold- McCain amendment. Yesterday, I received a message from the Obama administration that concludes that the economy faces its most serious crisis since the Great Depression, and I think that is something to which we all agree. It goes further and says the economic recovery package now being considered by this body is an essential step in putting the economy back on the path of growth. Our President, President Obama, has asked the Congress to send a bill to him before the February recess, and I believe we have that responsibility to act quickly and responsibly. Therefore, I believe now is not the time to debate controversial legislation that is not relevant to economic recovery. There are no earmarks contained in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that we are now considering before the Senate. I maintain that now is not the time to debate Senate floor procedures for the consideration of appropriations bills. However, I oppose this amendment on its merits. This amendment is an attempt to undermine Congress's power of the purse. Under this amendment, congressionally directed spending items that are not specifically authorized could be stripped from legislation. As Senators are well aware, Congress is often called upon to approve spending that is not yet authorized.…”