Political Quotes

“I doubt very much that anyone in America is sitting around today saying, I hope Congress sets up another fiscal cliff; I hope they put us in a position again where no one knows what's going to happen the next couple of months. We ought to listen, but that's what we are doing with this bill. We should listen to the President who said this: Unfortunately, Congress consistently brings the government to the edge of default before facing its responsibility. This brinksmanship threatens the holders of government bonds, those who rely on Social Security and veterans benefits. Interest rates would skyrocket, instability would occur in financial markets, and the Federal deficit would soar. The United States has a special responsibility to itself and the world to meet its obligations. We should listen to this President. Ronald Reagan said this in 1986. In 1986, the Congress listened to him, extended the debt ceiling, and acted responsibly. So should we. This legislation sets up another fiscal cliff, another financial nightmare, another problem for the American people that we should avoid. I urge all Members to vote ``no.''”