Political Quotes

“I thank the chairman of the Oversight and Reform Committee, Mr. Cummings, and I also thank Mr. Hurd, who, if he was in the leadership, this shutdown would not be happening, and if he were in the leadership, this bill would not be required. I thank him for bringing it to the floor with Mr. Cummings. I also thank him for his leadership in trying to get this government open. Madam Speaker, the 800,000 Federal employees affected by this shutdown deserve to know that they will be paid once it ends. I was with a veteran at a veterans organization last night who told me the highest incident of veteran suicide is brought about by financial instability, fear of being unable to pay their bills, fear of being unable to support their families, fear of being unable to pay their mortgage. That is what this bill is about, to give confidence and stability to those who work for us, who work for the American people. That is why this bill is coming to the floor. I congratulate Senators Warner and Kaine from Virginia, and Senators Cardin and Van Hollen from Maryland, for shepherding this legislation through the United States Senate. Normally, I would be proud to bring this bill to the floor, but none of us should be proud that this bill is necessary. No one should have to go without a paycheck just because the President thinks he can bully Congress into giving him what he wants, taking them hostage in return for a ransom of agreeing with him.…”