On the recordApril 26, 2010
last week, I criticized the Republican leader for the way he was handling Wall Street reform. I even criticized him for a series of meetings he held in New York and the result of the meetings. I want the record to be very clear, however, that I in no way was impugning the integrity of my friend from Kentucky. The senior Senator from Kentucky and I have fundamental policy differences on a number of issues, but no one should take my disagreement with my friend to question his honesty. Wall Street reform is as complex as the financial instruments that fueled a worldwide recession. But voting to start on the Wall Street reform is as simple as right and wrong. This bill and the debate are about the ability to trust our financial system again. They are about giving families the peace of mind that they will be able to keep their homes, that their savings will be safe. We have a responsibility to bring accountability to Wall Street because each of us is accountable to the American people. We owe our States' constituents and our Nation's taxpayers the promise that they will never again have to endure a financial crisis such as the last one. Today, the vote to begin debate on Wall Street accountability will answer many questions. It will reveal who believes we need to strengthen oversight on Wall Street and who does not. It will demonstrate who believes we need to strengthen the protections of consumers and who does not.





