Political Quotes

“I agree with our esteemed colleague who just spoke that, in fact, the American people are watching us very closely today to determine whether or not we understand the emergency that so many workers and small businesses and others in our economy are experiencing at this moment. All we have to do is ask the people who have lost their jobs in the airlines alone. We had an emergency in which we had to act immediately to help the airline industry a few days after September 11. We rallied to do that, with the understanding--at least it was my understanding--that we would come back quickly and make sure that not only the companies were helped to the tune of $15 billion, but that the workers with the airlines and the airports would be helped. So all you have to do is ask the people who have been unemployed as a result of September 11, or other economic circumstances, who work for the airlines, the travel agents, the airport venders, the restaurants, and the travel destination cities that have been hurt. All we have to do in Michigan is ask our auto workers, who have found that because of the slowdown they are facing layoffs, or have been laid off--and also the small businessowners in Michigan, as well as Michigan farmers. I congratulate the chairman of the Finance Committee for his leadership and work in putting together, with Senator Baucus and Senator Byrd, a package that makes sense for Americans, for American business, for American workers, for our communities.”