Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I thank the Senator from Texas and her cosponsor, the Senator from Pennsylvania, Mr. Casey. They expressed the deep-felt sentiments of all of us. I am happy to be a cosponsor of this legislation. I can assure the Senator from Texas that we have discussed this at length in our caucus, and there will be ample opportunity for all Members to join in an effort to make certain our men and women in uniform, who are risking their lives, will not be in any way disadvantaged by what is going on on Capitol Hill. I share her frustration and anxiety. I have been listening and watching these negotiations now for weeks. I cannot believe we have reached this point--less than 3 hours from a government shutdown--when the differences are so minor, when there are so few things in disagreement. It is time, literally, for the Speaker of the House to come forward and accept the dollar amount he agreed to last night in the White House Oval Office, to accept that amount which dramatically cuts spending to help reduce our deficit. I do not know why we have literally wasted this entire day in negotiations back and forth. Part of it was wasted, I am afraid, on this whole question of funding the access of women and families across America to health care. I understand that has been worked out now during the course of the day. The Speaker has considered a different approach to it, thank goodness. Now is the time to close the deal. Now is the time to get our job done.…”