Political Quotes

“I think it is ironic that the Republican whip used this opportunity to talk about delaying judicial appointments when the Republicans are in their 68th filibuster in this Congress. Sixty-eight filibusters. The most recent, of course, is the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, the bill that is on the floor right now that we will have a chance to vote on later today. We have been on this bill for over a week without a vote because the Republicans are filibustering it. This is a bill which is critically important to the people of this Nation--first and foremost because of safety. I think Senator Murray pointed this out very clearly. We need to implement the next generation of an air transportation system that was recommended in 2004. We still haven't implemented that. This legislation provides $290 million annually to modernize our satellite-based system. I am told there are some automobiles that have more sophisticated guidance systems or satellite identification systems than our planes. We need to do a better job. We have a bill that was crafted in a bipartisan way in our committee that has come forward. Let's consider it on the floor for the sake of the people of this Nation--for their safety. We know that every year millions and millions more people are flying. Air traffic is up. We need to modernize our system for the safety of the people of this country.”