Political Quotes

“I thank the Senator from Vermont and those who are gathered this evening. This was such an important day. Some in this Chamber may have heard some cheering in the hall. I believe that signifies that the House of Representatives has finally passed the reconciliation bill which passed this Chamber earlier this afternoon. Now health care reform, with its improvements, is on its way to being signed by the President and becoming the law of the land. It is a day of great celebration for those of us who had the privilege and honor to vote for it but to participate as well in the difficult task of putting this bill together--a controversial bill; lots of people hate it; lots of people love it across America. Many of us believe it is an extraordinary improvement. It is progress in America. It will give families across America a fighting chance to get health insurance they can afford, to be able to fight the health insurance companies that turn them down when they need it the most. Thirty million Americans will have health insurance who don't have it today. It is going to give seniors on Medicare better assistance to pay for their prescription drugs. It is a plus in many directions. We left the euphoria and happiness of that moment on the floor, when they announced the vote of 56 to 43, and within minutes, we were told there is another battle. This time the Republicans have come to the floor and refused to extend unemployment benefits to those unemployed in America.…”