Political Quotes

“With all the challenges our country faces, I think we all agree on the importance of this Congress getting off to a fast and effective start. In many ways, I believe we are on that track. Today, we will likely pass a major wilderness bill that will preserve our environment for the enjoyment of generations to come. The press reports it is the most significant environmental bill that will be passed in more than a quarter century. We are making progress on confirmation hearings so President Obama will have his team hit the ground running on January 20. We have seated new Members and announced new committee assignments for the 111th Congress. Today, we vote on stopping a filibuster on a motion to proceed to the Lilly Ledbetter legislation--legislation that ensures pay fairness in the workplace. This should not be necessary. It is really a waste of time--our country's time. After at least 2 legislative days to get the bill before the Senate to have this vote today, we must wait another 30 hours until we can start offering amendments on the bill. That is a waste of time. That is 4 days at least of wasted time and unnecessary delay. I hope in the future we can just go to the bill, avoid the cloture filing on a motion to proceed. Instead of forcing cloture motions that only waste time and delay progress, I urge my Republican colleagues to offer amendments.”