Political Quotes

“Madam President, these are outstanding public servants who have my heartfelt appreciation and every best wish for the future. Over 3 months ago, in my maiden speech from this desk, I chose to speak about Senator Kennedy's top legislative priority--to make quality health care affordable and accessible to all Americans. Since then, much has been accomplished in both Houses of Congress to bring us closer to that long awaited goal. Following the election results in Massachusetts over 2 weeks ago, it was suggested that we let the dust settle before deciding what our next steps should be on health care reform. But we must not let so much dust settle that it buries all the sensible and necessary ideas that have been suggested. Comprehensive health care reform must remain an urgent priority of the 111th Congress. But before we move forward on the path to health care reform and the many other critical issues that demand our attention, I respectfully submit that the Senate--and by that I mean each individual Senator-- must pause to answer this question: Will the majority and minority walk that path together and work together on the business of the people we represent or will the people we represent watch the Senate that belongs to them revert to the calculated, politically polarizing standoff that has alienated the country during these past few months? With the results from Massachusetts, much has been made of the fact that the numbers have changed in the Senate, and that is true.…”