Political Quotes

“What I will do, Mr. President, if it is all right, is I will read my statement. I will divide time with Senator Coburn. And then, procedurally, we can sort out my ability to present this amendment. Mr. President, it has been 8 months since Hurricane Katrina devastated our southern shores. It was a storm that brought more pain to our citizens in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama than any other in our collective memories, pain largely experienced by the poorest and the most disenfranchised but felt by all of us. In the wake of this devastation, the Federal Government has mobilized significant resources, totaling over $100 billion, to repair levees, provide temporary housing, and help cities and States rebuild highways, schools, and hospitals. The task is enormous, but with proper planning, leadership, and oversight there is no reason we cannot rebuild the gulf coast and help its people rebuild their lives. Yet if we don't work quickly to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal reconstruction efforts, all of our best efforts to rebuild this region will fail. A dollar misspent by a contractor is a dollar denied to victims of Katrina. Money stolen by fraud or abuse is money that is unavailable to strengthen homes, schools, and small businesses. It comes straight from the pockets of the American taxpayer.…”