Political Quotes

“I thank the Chair. Mr. President, the first thing I want to do is thank our very distinguished Democratic ranking member on the Committee on Appropriations, the former chair, Senator Mikulski. She has been with us every step of the way. I have learned a lot about lead exposure. I thought I knew a lot, but by sitting down with Senator Mikulski, when we have had an opportunity to have discussions about potential treatments to help and impacts regarding the lead, I have learned how very frightening it is, particularly for children what lead poisoning means. Over the years, I have appreciated Senator Mikulski's advocacy and leadership with the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and in other areas on health care. That leadership has made a tremendous difference, including helping to create a way to have some options on treatment for children. So I want to thank her. We are going to greatly miss her. I don't think we are going to let her go. She is just amazing, as is her staff and their commitment and support and understanding of what the people in Flint are going through. Two weeks ago now, we were feeling like we were on our way finally. We spent the last 8 months getting through various procedural hurdles and objections to get help for Flint and other communities with lead poisoning and other water issues. We had a bill come to the floor, and I greatly appreciate the majority leader bringing it to the floor.…”