Political Quotes

“first of all, I hope that we could offer other amendments as well in addition to this. I think that is critically important, first and foremost. Just as you have had an opportunity to offer an amendment, our hope is that on our side of the aisle, we would have the ability and the prerogative to offer amendments as well, and then we would look at it at the end of the day. Obviously, I know the Senator from Louisiana feels very strongly about this amendment. Obviously, I have some deep concerns. I certainly hope to support this legislation without this amendment, but if it is the will of the Senate, then obviously I will continue to support it and hopefully we can move forward. But I just think it is critically important with respect to this particular initiative that a number of these issues have to be addressed. In the final analysis, when we are talking about $30 billion, we can't do that lightly. Certainly, there are a number of issues that have been raised, ones that I have raised today, that clearly would have to be resolved in my estimation. So I think from that standpoint I would have considerable concerns if it were left in that manner because I think it raises the costs to the taxpayers indisputably.”