Political Quotes

“Mr. President, a number of us have been waiting for several hours to speak. We understand the concerns of our colleagues across the aisle. We have been patiently waiting. I believe they have finished their remarks. I would say that there were a lot of remarks directed across the aisle. There are several of us over here who are in support and voted for the issue of the day here. If only our Republican friends could join us, they said, we wouldn't be in this situation. Several of us have supported this. Given the circumstances here at the end of the year with making sure we keep funding for government functions and not have it shut down, the agreement that has now been reached is a reasonable agreement that obviously will be taken up again in the next Congress. I won't be here. I supported it this year. I know a number of my colleagues have supported it. Many of us are from coal country and understand the concerns. But the larger issue for us is not to go into another shutdown. I have served in the Senate for many years, and there has been nothing more disruptive that produces more uncertainty among businesses and individuals and employees throughout this country than the Congress not doing its job and providing funding for them and shutting down the government.…”