Jerry Moran: “I am here to speak on another topic, but it has been my privilege to hear the discussion between the Senator from South…”

“I am here to speak on another topic, but it has been my privilege to hear the discussion between the Senator from South Carolina, Mr. Graham, and the Senator from Connecticut, Mr. Lieberman, about what I think is a very serious debate; that is, the juxtaposition of our constitutional rights as U.S. citizens in light of our desire to make sure Americans' lives are protected. I have always struggled with trying to find that right balance, and I found tonight's conversation on the Senate floor very valuable. I wish to turn my attention and bring to the attention of my colleagues in the Senate a pending piece of legislation, a bill I have introduced dealing with our country's economy and particularly as it relates to financial institutions and particularly our community banks. There are, as we know, so many Americans who are looking for work. I would say our government's first priority is to defend our country, and we have been having a debate about how we do that, but we also have a significant responsibility to create an environment where businesses can grow and put people to work. I want to point out tonight a piece of legislation I have introduced that I believe is part of the solution. It is called the Communities First Act, and it is a compilation of what I would say are commonsense tax and regulatory relief ideas for our Nation's smallest financial institutions. We constantly hear about Wall Street. I want to worry tonight about Main Street.…”