Tina Smith: “I thank Senator Kerry, my colleague from Massachusetts, for his kind words. We come to the floor today as Republicans…”

“I thank Senator Kerry, my colleague from Massachusetts, for his kind words. We come to the floor today as Republicans and Democrats trying to work out a bill that will make a difference on the central plank of the current economic slowdown. It is a time, frankly, to note we are finally working in a way that will make a difference and make progress for the American people. Tuesday evening, I went home and TiVo'd the news. I saw Senator Reid and Senator McConnell standing together before the cameras. Behind them were Senators Dodd and Shelby, as well as Senator Baucus and Senator Grassley from the Finance Committee, who have worked with Senator Kerry. When I saw these Senators together in a joint press conference, I thought I also heard a collective sigh of relief from the American people that finally the Senate was proceeding in a way they expect. I, for one, was breathing a sigh of relief that there was agreement and that we are here productively engaged in finding a solution.”