Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I take this time to propound a unanimous consent request concerning our Federal workforce. The reason for doing this is we have gone through shutdowns before. It has been our view that our Federal workforce should receive their pay. That has been a bipartisan effort after each of the shutdowns. I can tell my colleagues our Federal workforce is concerned. They are concerned as to those who are on furlough, whether they will receive their paychecks when the government opens up again. I was pleased to see a comment come out of the White House, where the White House said they support the pay for our Federal workforce. I think it is important we give them that assurance. I understand there is disagreement as to what has happened to date and how we are going to reopen government, but let's not make our Federal workforce have anxiety where they should not have it. Our Federal workforce has suffered long enough under furloughs and CRs and pay raises that have been less than cost of living and shutdowns, et cetera. So I would hope, on a bipartisan basis, that we could do what we have done every shutdown; that is, to tell our Federal workforce that when we resolve these issues, we will make sure they are paid if they are furloughed today. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 290, S.…”