Political Quotes

“I say to the manager of the bill, I appreciate his statement. I understand rule XVI. It was my initial idea because I think this is so important. Every nurse in America, every day they go to work, is concerned about whether or not they have a needlestick. Nurses all over America favor this. It was my original intention to move forward and see if we could get enough votes to surmount the problem with rule XVI. I think we have the opportunity to do something on a bipartisan basis. I do not believe something this important should be done on a partisan basis. I think we should make this a bill both Democrats and Republicans support. I have spoken to the Senator from California, Mrs. Boxer, who has worked on this with me from the very beginning. She is someone who feels very strongly about this issue. I have spoken to the other sponsor of the legislation, Senator Kennedy. They acknowledge the need for this and also the fact technology now exists to protect health care workers from needlesticks, but only 15 percent of those hospitals are using safer needle devices such as retractable needles. Having said that, I am not going to call for a vote at this time. It is my understanding Senator Jeffords has agreed to do hearings. I am sure I can confirm that with a phone call with him. At this stage, what I am going to do is speak no more, talk to Senator Jeffords, and then I will withdraw my amendment.”