Political Quotes

“I rise to speak to the critical issue of State fiscal relief, which I believe adds tremendous value to this economic growth package. As I have discussed on numerous occasions, I believe that one of the best stimulants for the economy is providing assistance to our State and local governments, which is why I have fought for its inclusion in this package. Since December, when I first identified elements that I believed would stimulate the economy, I insisted on a State and local fiscal relief component. Today, I am pleased that the Senate is taking action through this floor amendment to further refine both the agreement and language that Senator Smith and I insisted must be included in the growth package as passed by the Senate Finance Committee. The growth package that the Senate Finance Committee reported establishes a $20 billion trust fund in S. 1054, the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, to provide critical, flexible relief for both State and local governments.”