Political Quotes

On the recordMarch 21, 2010
Let's just imagine for a moment that this health care bill before us today failed. Let's just imagine that we all awoke tomorrow and could say to one another now we have a chance to get health care reform right, health care reform that is fair to everyone, reduces costs and truly improves outcomes, instead of just shifting costs to more unsustainable government spending and eroding health care liberties. Mr. Speaker, the debate has become very passionate, and I fear that we sometimes lose sight of the fact that our actions have consequences and can even affect little children. The other day a 9-year-old boy approached me and he said, Congressman, I have a question. He said, if the government gets so bad, which country should we move to? And I put my hand on his shoulder and I looked at him and I said, America is still a good country, we just have to make it better. Mr. Speaker, I am not here to help manage the decline of America. None of us are. We can do better. We must do better.
Said by
Jeff Fortenberry
Republican · Nebraska

Editor's note · Context

The speaker addresses the implications of the health care bill and the need for effective reform.

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