Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise in opposition to this rule and to the underlying measure. Madam Speaker, 18 months ago, we gathered in this Chamber to debate economic stimulus. Republicans wanted to help job creators, but the majority said, ``No, let's borrow and spend.'' And borrow and spend they did, to the tune of $862 billion. Back then, the Democrats sent nearly $100 billion to States and districts to prop up school budgets. It would save 300,000 jobs, we were told, and improve public education. It was a one-time investment, we were told. They would not be back for more. Yet here we stand. They are back for more. I know my schools, I know there are challenges, and I understand the difficult budget decisions our governors, superintendents, and school boards are being forced to make. And I know a Federal bailout is not the answer. Spending another $10 billion we do not have will not improve public education or protect the very best teachers. Earlier this year, Education Secretary Arne Duncan told us, ``Today, the status quo clearly isn't good enough.'' Yet the status quo is exactly what this $10 billion will perpetuate. Schools will continue to operate on last-hired, first-fired policies that ignore student achievement when deciding which teachers to keep in the classroom. These dollars are not targeted based on jobs at risk or student needs. This is nothing more than an across-the-board inflation of State spending.…”