Political Quotes

“Reserving the right to object, arguably, Mr. Speaker, this Congress is the least productive one in which I have served over the last 33 years. Both from a humanitarian standpoint and an economic one, this Congress has earned the disdain of the American people irrespective of their party affiliation. I rise, Mr. Speaker, specifically to express my and the Democratic minority's strong objection to adjourning this first session of the 113th Congress without extending unemployment insurance eligibility for the 1.3 million Americans, including 20,000 military veterans, who will lose that support in just 48 hours. This number will increase by 73,000 people, on average, every week that we continue to block an extension. That is both a moral outrage and another congressionally inflicted blow to our economy, and it is unprecedented. Whenever unemployment levels have been as they are today, the Congress has extended benefits. It is, sadly, consistent with our failure to pass meaningful jobs legislation proposed by the President. It is, sadly, consistent with our failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform, which is broadly supported by business, labor, farmers, farm workers, and an overwhelming number of religious leaders and members of the faith community.…”